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Getting The Most Out Of A Koetsu Urushi

Recently acquired a Koetsu Urishi Tsugaru from a known and well trusted source. This cartridge has been refurbished by VDH, and has under 100 hours on it. Mu current cartridges consist of an Ortofon Winfeld, ZYX 4D, and Denon DL 304. 

The Urushi is certainly different than my previous cartridges, and I do hear lots of potential there. Currently have it installed on a DP 75 in a VPI plinth, with an Acos GST 801 arm. Phono stages available are the Liberty B2B-1 and the internal stage on a Musical Fidelity Nu Vista M3. 

The question is system configurations on how to get the Urushi properly sorted out. Are most Koetsu users also SUT users? Is there any upside to running it on this cartridge versus my phono stage in MC trim? Secondly, the output cable on the 801 is not verified as the stock one for the 801, and since the arm is wired internally with silver wire, I have considered the possibility to changing it out to a known cable of good quality. Which that one is to be, I have not made a decision on. 

I do also have a Technics SP 10 MK II in a variable density plinth, and I might consider putting the Urushi on there, although it might necessitate a change in tone arms. I have a 12" Riggle String Theory arm on it, and I suspect the wood arm may fall into the slightly warm camp, which is not what I would suspect this cartridge needs. It does seem that the SME V is a go to choice, but been thinking of other options also. 

Anyone with thoughts and experiences they care to share?
neonknight

Showing 3 responses by terry9

terry9
2,354 posts
 
I have a KRSP with diamond cantilever. I say, set up, set up, set up. You just can’t be too careful with setup.

I find that azimuth adjustments of 10 minutes of arc are detectable. Also, torque adjustments. Of course, tracking force and vertical tracking angle also matter.

I use the silver SUT’s from Lundahl, as they are the best I have ever heard (K&K Audio, no relationship). Just add a box and RCA jacks, $2000 all in.

Ultrasonic record cleaning is an obvious way to keep your Urushi happy, and your system relatively free of surface noise.

YMMV

terry9
2,354 posts
 
As to tonearm, I use the Trans-Fi air bearing. For $1000 it's the biggest bargain in high end.
terry9
2,354 posts
 
Neon, I suggest a call to K&K. Very knowledgeable, very helpful. They directed me to the silver Lundahl, and I couldn't be happier with the choice.
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