It does indeed. The same series for sure, I'd say. It would be nice to understand the sequencing and the differences.Mine seems to be identical to yours
Great info! Thanks for letting us know, new2Krell.I hope this helps!
Had a bit of spare time this am, went searching and found some interesting info on Blacks. I can't verify the accuracy, but it does at least seem to tie in with photos and details here quite well. I will leave it up to individuals to decide validity:
It appears there were two versions of the all black Musashino cart.
1980 Koetsu Black (all black, screw on front face). 9.9g (or 9.5). Musashino on top. s/n 50xxx.
1982 Koetsu Black mk 2 (all black). Musashino. s/n 527xx. 11.2g.
1985 Koetsu Black Goldline 12.1g. Black with gold trim sn 1xxxxx.
Koetsu Black Goldline mk 2 Gold bottom and gold trim. 10.8g
Crosswind and my carts are, as thought, a different series and would appear to be the first "Goldline". Not mentioned here to be MKIII though, as per the distributors label on my Black's box.
Assuming these first Goldlines to be MKIII's, I think it's reasonable to also call the gold bottomed Goldline a Black MKIV (or Goldline MKII). Due to weights quoted, there clearly seems to be a difference between these two.
Jadis and RickS, it appears you have a MKII
DaveP and msm-1, it appears you have MKIs (can't see if there is a screw on the front face from pics - would increase validation of info if there).
Info found on vinylengine, for the record. There are also some photos of the MKI and MkII external and internals (clearly a difference inside - didn't want to post the pics here in case of infringement).
A comment also suggests the internals of the MKII are very similar to the MKIII, but no pics of the III to compare - and no, just in case you are thinking, I am not going to undo mine and take one!
Sorry, no info on actual materials used. I guess there has to remain some mystery to the Koetsu magicInteresting too, to know the MkII weighs a bit more at 11.2g, That is very near the weight of the platinum models. Would you know what magnet these Blacks used? I heard it may be alnico.
There is a lot of logic in your comments. I have known mine since new and it has had fair, but not excessive, use during this time. I still enjoy it immensly, but I am very much aware it will not last forever and am starting to consider what I am going to do when it is no longer so enjoyable.Finding an old Koetsu Black is hard and finding one in good condition is almost impossible IMHO. Cartridge suspensions are more or less like car tires, they deteriorate over time. When it’s replaced whole sound signature of cartridge changes. Suspension is probably the most significant element that gives a cartridge it’s distinctive sound signature. IMHO old Koetsu Black cartridges from 80’s need a suspension replacement and some need a complete rebuild including coils, cantilever and stylus. I think all materials that are used by Koetsu now is different than 80’s. It looks like a remote possibility to resurrect a Koetsu Black from 80’s with it’s original sound even it’s rebuild by Koetsu. It can be better or worse but I don’t think it will be the same as original. Not to mention the differences if it’s rebuild in somewhere else.
I believe Koetsu will first check the serial number of any unit that comes its way for rebuilding, and they should service it. The cost of rebuild though for a Black or Rosewood would not be economically pleasing, as you can find a good priced brand new one from a reliable source.Will Koetsu rebuild a black that was purchased used overseas for an American customer? There is at least one Far East dealer that seems to have a raft of old Koetsus that need work- missing cantilevers, etc. I don't know if it makes financial sense to revive one of these old ones-
I have two modern Koetsu stones that came from the authorized US distributor, and given the price of these cartridges today, having the factory rebuild them seems like a prudent outlay, compared to the cost of a new cartridge in the same league. But I had the impression the factory would not work on gray market cartridges.
On history gathering, Although Ana Mighty has been around for only 13 or so years, they might be able to put together a timeline for these things based on rebuilding/retipping them.
I feel that way about mine too. Funny how we become so attached to some items!Gots to keep that first Koetsu like I’m keeping my first and probably only Rolex lol.
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