Miyajima MADAKE experience

Very late to this thread but, I own a Miyajima Kansui, a Madake, and a Koetsu Rosewood Signature. I liked the Kansui well enough but, after I had it retipped the first time, it seemed like a different and better cartridge. I've retipped it twice both times at Miyajima and find the service and price great. This last time, they offered me an upgrade to the Madake for an extra 550. I took the deal. Meanwhile, I'm running the Koetsu which is newly retipped from Koetsu. I can't say it's any better than the Kansui but, it has a slightly more musical and vivacious presentation. I still think the Miyajimas with their service offer the better value. The factory is quick - probably 3 months to Koetsu's year.

Hi: I’m late to the party too but I don’t want to start a redundant thread. I found a Japan-only Miyajima called the Mature Studio BE. A retipper examined the stylus and said it was a Shibata in very good condition. I wrote to Miyajima and they indicated that it was similar to the Shilabe but an early model and no parts were available if I was looking for a rebuild. I mounted it on a 47 Labs RS-A1 and it sounds smooth and rather beguiling. So much so that I’m now considering a Kansui or even higher in the range. Am I mad to be using the RS-A1? I also have an Ikeda 345 and a 12 inch Groovemaster lll. I’ve been through the stone Koetsu and Urushi thing as well as the SPU Synergy and Spirit as well as the Ikeda 9TT. I’m considering a Schröder Model 2. Maybe Chakster will chime in.

Thanks and I hope this post finds you all well.

Chakster hasn’t chimed in well over a year. We hope he’s ok. Why do you ask whether using the RS-A1 might be insane? Yes, it’s finicky, and one fears accidents that might damage the cartridge, but the RS-A1 in service usually brings out good qualities in a cartridge. (I own one.)

Hi lewm: didn’t know about Chakster’s absence. He was a generous contributor and I hope that may continue.

I’ve been heavily invested in the high mass approach but over the last couple of years I seem to have lost that lovin’ feeling. This Miyajima Mature is a true departure for me. It came mounted in an alloy headshell with a 1mm brass spacer and my first take was ‘it’s a dud’. The RS-A1 had been on the shelf for over 10 years because it’s scary to use with shaky hands! This cartridge and tonearm combination has been revelatory but it’s such a break with my history I’m wondering if I’ve been delusional. If the luck continues it could mean selling off a number of cherished pieces. And then perhaps, regret. Seems like a little crisis of faith. Anyone else had this happen?