The retail price for a Koetsu Rosewood Signature in Japan is 189,000yen. I live in Japan but Koetsu is not a cartridge that ever interested me until a German gentleman who bought an SME tonearm off me on eBay asked me to get a price for one which he duly bought. The price pretty much stunned me as they are $3500 in the States. That cartridge came with all the warranty papers, etc so I would see no problem if he ever had an issue with the cartridge, getting it serviced. So, the prices in Asia are not a 'hoax' or ripoff.
However, I have been told Koetsu cartridges are now made in China......The founder of Koetsu has passed away; apparently he was the artist, the son who now runs the company is by all accounts a 'businessman'.
Hope that helps.
However, I have been told Koetsu cartridges are now made in China......The founder of Koetsu has passed away; apparently he was the artist, the son who now runs the company is by all accounts a 'businessman'.
Hope that helps.