Legendary Koetsu Magic at a Price Many Analog Lovers Can Afford: Black Goldline Cartridge Offers Smooth Tonal Balances, Natural Harmonics, and Outstanding Midranges

Just because the Koetsu Black Goldline cartridge is the most affordable in the distinguished Japanese company's line doesn't mean it compromises on performance. Indeed, the first time you experience Black Goldline tracking the grooves of your records, you'll sit back in amazement. Renowned for its smooth tonal balance, natural harmonics, divine midrange, low bass extension, and tremendous reproduction of voices, the aluminum-body Black Goldline uses six-nines copper (99.9999% pure) and samarium-cobalt to set itself apart from any other manufacturer's cartridges. Want to hear – and feel – the vibration of acoustic-bass instruments and savor the separation of individual members in a vocal group? Black Goldline will take you there. But be forewarned: Once you arrive, you'll never want to leave.

"Are there better cartridges than the Koetsu Black? Sure. Are there better Koetsus? I guess. Is there a better way for an analog enthusiast to spend [$2,500]? Maybe not."
– Art Dudley, Stereophile

Every Koetsu Model is Hand-Made and Distinctive
Koetsu owners don't ask why. They just know. We could wax all day long about likeminded comparisons to these exquisite, handmade, ultra-exclusive cartridges. Similarities to collector automobiles, limited-batch scotches, and sought-after luxury goods ranging from super-complication watches to perfect-cut diamonds spring to mind. Like each Koetsu, these choice articles ignite our deepest passions and inspire within us emotion, enthusiasm, and excitement that nothing else comes close to matching.

"The Black's midrange has the typical Koetsu magic, which treats all voices as coming from living, breathing creatures and not synthesized on some demonic digital creation. There is body, depth, and a wonderful believability to human voices as offered by the Black."
– 10 Audio

Listen, and You'll Immediately Know Why Koetsu Stands Apart
At the end of the day, however, Koetsu cartridges don't require any fancy promotion or exaggerated typecasting. They stand alone for what they represent: The zenith of analog sound. These reverential musical instruments are all about musical transcendence and transformation. Indeed, while some listeners will inevitably demand how Koetsu justifies its pricing, our reply is simple: Once you listen, you'll hear and understand everything. Questions and doubts immediately melt away. All that's left behind is music distinguished with utmost ease, liquidity, vibrancy, clarity, responsiveness, and focus. The kind that leaves you wondering just how much detail, information, and texture you've missed on records you've heard hundreds of times.

A Tradition of Excellence Rooted in the 17th Century
Founded by Yoshiaki Sugano – a multi-skilled boxer, sword maker, painter, metallurgist, and Toyota executive that held a special love for hi-fi audio – and named after Honami Koetsu, a 17th-century Japanese artist and calligrapher, Koetsu prizes tradition, purity, and perfection. A direct descendant of the medieval Koetsu, Sugano demanded his cantilevers be built of a "special" iron custom-made by a northern Japanese university that used a secret process. After receiving pre-aged rubber suspensions and rosewood bodies from other craftsman, Sugano painstakingly hand-built each cartridge in the same manner a legendary violin maker obsesses over a wood's finite grain and age. Koetsu cartridges stood out not only for their transparent sound and exotic materials, but for their elegant looks. Today, Sugano's son, Fumihiko, carries on the proud legacy.

A Sound Investment: Trade-In or Rebuild Your Koetsu Cartridge and Save Big
Customers that already own a Koetsu have two great options to get a new cartridge. Trade-in your existing Koetsu cartridge (no matter the condition) and receive a 20% discount on any new Koetsu model. Upgrades have seldom come easier. Offering additional security and peace of mind on your investment, all Koetsu cartridges can also be completely rebuilt from the ground-up for a fraction of the price of a brand-new cartridge. The rebuilt cartridge will essentially be a new Koetsu featuring the same serial number and body of your original model. The rebuild process take approximately six to eight weeks from the time Music Direct receives your old cartridge.