Koetsu cartridges. They must be something special.

Yes, I saw that video. 

Jonathan Carr was featured in a video where he explained the actual assembly process of Lyra cartridges. The main artisan for Lyra is Mishima-San. However, there are a number of apprentices who do preparation work. And the final adjustment and tuning is always done by Mishima-San, so there is still a division of labor within the Lyra shop. Carr claims that the total annual output is 1200 cartridges. See the following video at around 17:15 min

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fQeut0__a_4
 

I suspect that inner workings and actual assembly processes of Koetsu cartridges was closer to the Lyra model where the Suganos’ were more involved in the final phases of the assembly and there are apprentices on site to assist. And these apprentices are now called upon to carry on the Koetsu Mantle. That must be the case, and the lore of Sugano- San as the sole maker is myth. 

Another more in depth video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEmQh3oJ5DM

Another more in depth video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEmQh3oJ5DM

Looks good to me! If they use the same formula, same parts from the same suppliers (which Koetsu spec'd and cultivated over the decades), and have skilled coil winders / cartridge assemblers - I see no reason why they wouldn't sound the same as before. Some tweaks & changes here and there might also make for an interesting new take on the classic Koetsu sound, and could be appropriate for this Koetsu v2 (v3?) launch. 

Then there was Koetsu's stash of platinum magnets that supposedly can't be had anymore (at least not without a LOT of investment). I wonder if that is still in play / available for future platinum models.

I do not own a Koetsu, though eventually I will, either a vermillion or a RSP. And I certainly do not mean to crash this party.

My point with the J Carr video is that I suspect that the Lyra assembly model might be based on the Koetsu model. Although it is contrary to  how most of us thought a Koetsu was built, knowing that the Suganos’ did not participate in the entire assembly process does not diminish the brand at all for me. Listening  to Carr’s description  of the division of labor involved in making top notch cartridges just made more sense to me than a picture of the lone master slaving away. Especially given that Lyra put out 100 cartridges per month. That’s all. In any case it is very exciting that  Koetsu is back.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dKDtNrN2jy8

A video on the making of Denon DL-103. Note the pride that the Japanese  take in performing their work. And there is only one woman capable to wind the coils.