Phono Cartridge Reviews

Description: Low-output moving-coil cartridge, with "special metal" cantilever and bobbin, "specially designed" stylus, six-nines copper coils, samarium/cobalt magnet. Source impedance: 5 ohms. Recommended stylus pressure: 1.8–2.0gm. Compliance: N/A. Channel separation: 30dB or more at 1kHz. Frequency range: 20Hz–100kHz. Output: 600µV (1kHz 5cm/s). Channel balance: within 0.5dB at 1kHz. Recommended load: not specified.
Weight: Not specified.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 82410.
Price: $4000 (1998–2006). Retip & refurbish: $1800 (1998). Approximate number of dealers: 50.
Manufacturer: Koetsu, Kyoto, Japan. Importer: Axiss Distribution, Inc., 17800 South Main Street, Suite 109, Gardena, CA 90248. Tel: (310) 329-0187. Fax: (310) 329-0189. Distributor: Musical Surroundings, 2625 Alcatraz Avenue, Suite 501, Berkeley, CA 94705. Tel: (510) 547-5006. Fax: (510) 547-5009. Web: www.musicalsurroundings.com.