The Koetsu Urushi Gold demands ultra-rigid-bearing tonearms and medium- to high-mass arms to perform at its peak—and meticulous setup. Sloppy bearings and resonances will accentuate the essential and positive characters in negative ways: the Koetsu will sound sluggish and unfocused. If you hear those qualities, the fault lies elsewhere! Stereophile

Urushi Gold & once you get your hands on one, you’ll see why these special cartridges have such a dedicated following ToneAudio

The Urushi cartridges are probably the most striking in the whole Koetsu lineup because it encompasses the traditional art of Japanese lacquerware in the production of the cartridge body. Even without reproducing music, the Urushi is itself, a work of art. 

Every audiophile music lover knows of the legendary sound of Koetsu phono cartridges from decades past. Those old enough to have experienced Sugano's Koetsus retain the memory of a musical experience unequaled. Few were privileged to own and enjoy a Koetsu. Many of the converted searched out second and third Koetsus, assuring a long, cherished relationship. 

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Body: Rosewood with Urushi Lacquer
• Type: Moving Coil
• Coil Wiring: Silverplated Copper
• Magnet: Samarium-Cobalt
• Cantilever: Boron Cantilever
• Output Volts: 0.4mV
• Frequency Range: 20Hz to 100kHz
• Channel Separation: 30db/1kHz
• Inner Impedance: 5 Ohm
• Channel Balance: 0.5db/1kHz
• Recommended load: 100-1000 Ohm
• Weight: 9,37g net weight
• Compliance: 5 x 10-6 cm/dyne at 100 hz
• Recommend a tonearm mass medium to high
• Stylus design: special Sugano design (no other manufacturer uses this design)