Thank you for your response. First, I was not aware of Matsudaira San and his talents and abilities and I thank you for making me aware of him and "My Sonic Lab". However, I also agree with you comments about Ortofon and their superior engineering and manufacturing capabilities. You do nat remain in business for so long without the commitment they have made over the many years. I have respected their abilities for many years. Lief Johannsen has provided some excellent products even more recently. Shortly after Orotofon came out with the "MC A95", I requested that my name be included to purchase the 100 year anniversary version when it would become available, that is, the "MC Century". I never did obtain one, however, that may have been for the best! I believe they sold for "Crazy High Prices". I did purchase and still retain the "Ortofon X5-MC", and the "Ortofon MC-30 Supreme".
It is unfortunate that companies that developed a name and reputation for themselves over the year because of the superiority and quality of their product only to "go downhill" in manufacturing, quality control, etc., and simply rest on their laurels of previous years. I have directly witnessed such decline in other areas such as Footwear, Sporting Goods, and others after a change in leadership or when purchased by another party. It is sad and at times disturbing for me to have witnessed. When accountants ran the manufacturing divisions. I certainly have no idea what happened at Koetsu,, but, you are absolutely correct to attribute the decline after Sugano San's departure. But the decline continued and is steady. Today Koetsu essentially is enjoying a receptive market founded on what was made by them in 1990 and earlier. Today, Koetsu could not provide me with anything that I would be pleased with. And, I would challenge them to prove otherwise.
You mention the wear of the stylus, but certainly a suspension could be changed easily if all else is well. And an older cartridge is either "Broken", or in need of a stylus or cantilever, or the suspension. Are you convinced that they simply replace the unit? I would not be surprised that would be the case, however, there could easily be exceptions.
I would be pleased if only someone from Koetsu would care to contribute to this Forum. I only expounded on this matter because at the age of 77, and being a technical person, and starting, owning, and operating a manufacturing facility before selling and retiring because of medical issues of both my wife and I, I am disappointed in some areas where there is/was no need for disappointment. I hope that Ortofon continues on and perhaps. others enter the picture to continue in this analog industry that is continuing to grow contrary to the other alternatives. And, I certainly do not intend to discredit some of the alternatives, however, there is nothing close to listening to an excellent Vinyl recording on a good system. And, yes I realize that this is a limited and expensive pursuit. I hope that the future allows for excellent capabilities at a significantly lower cost. There is no need to be as exclusive because of one's ability to purchase expensive components.
Enough said!