EXCEL SOUND "Etsuro Urushi" MC Cartridge etsuro urushi

Art of sapphire and lacquer. The ultimate MC cartridge combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern technology

"Etsuro Urushi" is a rare MC cartridge completed through a triple collaboration of Excel Sound's reliable technology, abundant experience, and traditional Japanese lacquer finishing.

The heart that thoroughly eliminates signal loss

• Solid Sapphire Base: The cartridge base, the heart of the device, uses 2.5mm thick sapphire material. Through a direct incorporation method that integrates the vibration transmission mechanism, signal loss is thoroughly eliminated.
• High-Hardness Sapphire Cantilever: The cantilever uses an ultra-precision 0.4mm sapphire tube. With hardness second only to diamond, it offers high-speed signal transmission without distortion, achieving clear sound.

Stylus for ultra-precise tracking

• Super Microline Diamond Tip: The stylus tip employs the "Super Microline Diamond tip," with an 80μ contact area curvature for the record groove.
• Faithful Reproduction: It accurately traces the ultra-fine grooves, reproducing the sound as engraved on the analog disc.

Resonance suppression through traditional lacquer craftsmanship

• Luxurious Housing: The cartridge housing uses ultra-strength duralumin (A7075), which is then finished with traditional Japanese lacquer after special strengthening treatment.
• Suppressing Duralumin Resonance: Once hardened, the lacquer forms a strong coating that withstands high heat and adheres firmly to the housing. This effectively suppresses the characteristic resonance of duralumin.

Artistic Finish:

• The lacquered and Bordeaux housing cover boasts the stunning luster and texture of lacquer, making it a true little work of art.
• On top of the black lacquer that serves as the base, various types of colored silver foil covered with sulfur are torn off and pasted like a painting to express a sense of depth. The Etsuro and lacquer logo are gold leaf.

Fusion of craftsmanship and modern technology

When craftsmanship with more than half a century of experience meets a project that aims for the supreme, analog records begin a new era. It is a gem that combines the latest materials and technology to bring tradition to life.

A different dimension of transparency that can be understood at a glance

The moment you drop the needle on Etsuro Urushi, the first thing you notice is that there is no "turbidity" in the sound. The background is deeply silent, and the sound image rises from there. Despite the large amount of information, the sound is not crowded, and the playback is extremely organized. This transparency is at a notable level among high-end MCs.

Sound image focus and three-dimensionality

The localization of the sound image is surprisingly accurate, and the depth expression in the front and rear directions as well as the left and right directions stands out. The vocals are condensed into a single point, and in the orchestra, the distance and hierarchy of each instrument group are naturally depicted. The sound field is vast, but there is no exaggeration, and it gives the impression that it is a spatial reproduction that is faithful to the recording.

Amount of information and "honesty"

Etsuro Urushi is also a cartridge that does not hide the quality of records. While the recording is in good condition, it brings out amazing realism, but in the poor condition, noise and coarseness are clearly reproduced. This "honesty" is one of the reasons why it is highly regarded as a reference.

Band balance and texture expression

The low frequencies are not excessively bloated, achieving both tightness and depth. The midrange is dense, with the texture of strings and vocals rendered extremely realistically. The high frequencies are smooth and extended without being harsh, naturally portraying subtle overtones and the sense of air. Across the entire frequency range, there is not a single flaw, resulting in an exceptionally well-balanced sound.

The Silence Created by the Lacquer Body

The lacquered body is not just for aesthetics; it clearly contributes to the sound quality. With minimal resonance, the attack and decay of the sound are extremely clean. This contributes to the deep sense of silence and high signal-to-noise ratio unique to Etsurou・Urushi.

A Rare Presence in the High-End

Etsurou・Urushi is not the type of cartridge that impresses with flashiness or gimmicks. However, its overwhelming resolution, transparency, and fidelity to the recording give it a presence that stands alongside the world’s top-class MC cartridges. It is a rare cartridge that allows long listening sessions without fatigue, letting you focus entirely on the music itself.