Transfiguration users

[tima]

Perhaps you can use a translator on this Japanese page.

This uses DeepL for translation of HAYATE info, as googl limits text to 3900 characters:

"Mutek is a brand launched by Eiji Kanda in 2015 as a cutting-edge manufacturer of only MC-type cartridges. Since the first LH-M, MUTEC has consistently employed its proprietary yoke-less ring magnet magnetic circuit to produce products with high conversion efficiency and excellent linearity.

The new “RM-HAYATE” is a new generation model that incorporates MUTEC's know-how, and by simplifying the magnetic circuit to the utmost limit, we have further improved sound quality.

Eiji Kanda, who presided over MUTEC, sadly passed away in 2020.
Under the production of Kajihara Lab, which inherited Kanda's will and know-how, each product is manufactured by Akiko Ishiyama based on the design drawings left by Kanda before his death.

The unit employs a special structure in which the generator coil is embedded in a magnetic circuit composed of ring-shaped magnets. Neodymium #50 magnets are used as the magnetic material, and a proprietary core material “SS-μM” is used to maximize the power generation efficiency, resulting in both low impedance and high output. In addition, gold plating is applied to the magnetic material to achieve vibration control of the magnetic circuit and magnetic force stability.

The cantilever is made of highly rigid solid boron, and a solid semi-line-contact stylus tip is used to improve tracing ability. The generator coil, which is integrated with the cantilever, is made of OFC material with a larger wire diameter, and the number of windings is optimized to reduce inductance and improve sound clarity. The output terminal pin material was also reviewed, and as a result of various trials, OFC material with high electrical conductivity made of pro-material metal was adopted. In addition, the sound quality has been greatly improved by replacing the conventional rhodium plating of these terminal pins with a thicker gold plating using CROSS POINT's “HYAKUSIKI” special gold plating technology.

A new special solder has been developed for the connection of the terminals and coil leads, which also improves the dynamic range and reproducibility of the low frequency range.
We are proud to present this product not only to analog fans, but also to audiophiles who have already experienced MUTEC's innovative sound. We hope you will enjoy the rich, fragrant, expressive and energetic sound of the “RM-HAYATE SASHION,” which opens up a new page in music reproduction through the culmination of our accumulated know-how and expertise.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)"

edit: based on https://www.soundheights.jp/SHOP/mutech-rm-hayate.html Web site, cost is 606,000 yen or ~$4177 usd

 

[ravenacustic]

My Transfiguration Orpheus had an accident. Needed repair. Hesitated for a couple of years. Purchased an Ortofon Windfeld Ti. Not in the same league. Contacted Francois at Ana Mighty Sound. Shipped to him. Repaired. Took maybe 6 weeks with transport. Well worth it. Super duper cartridge. Does it sound different than original. Cannot tell you. Either way sounds terrific. I also sent it to JR who examined it and made a shim and installed for me a year ago. I should have repaired it from the beginning.

 

[ledoux1238]

This is an extremely informative thread, especially J Carr’s history narrative.

In a review of the Transfiguration Proteus by Fremer, he wrote that the then TOTL Orpheus was abruptly discontinued while sales were still robust. The reason given by the US importer was due to health issue of the master craftsman responsible for the Orpheus. I wonder if it also coincided with the departure of Kanda-San such that Yoshioka could no longer use the single ring magnet? According to Fremer the model after Orpheus was a Phoenix + that used a double ring magnet. And then Proteus followed.