ALL Q&A
What are the differences between the models Gold, Bordeaux, and Cobalt Blue cartridge models?
Housing Coating:
We have applied different traditional Japanese craft coatings to each model. The Gold cartridge is decorated with traditional gold leaf, handcrafted by the artisans of Hakuichi Company, based in Kanazawa prefecture. Both the Cobalt and Bordeaux cartridges feature a lacquer urushi finish meticulously handcrafted by Urushi Sakamoto Company, long established company located in Fukushima Prefecture. Although both use urushi, each model undergoes a distinct finishing process. The Cobalt Blue is finished with a single color to highlight its vivid, deep blue tone. In contrast, the Bordeaux undergoes multiple layers and special treatments to achieve a smooth, glass-like texture with a beautiful, rich shine.
Terminal Pin:
Each cartridge features a different plating on the terminal pins: the gold uses 24K gold plating, the Bordeaux is finished with gold plating, and the Cobalt features a rhodium finish.
Cartridge base:
The base (plate), which comes into direct contact with the headshell, is also made from different materials. The Gold and Bordeaux models feature a 2.5mm pure sapphire plate, while the Cobalt Blue uses an A7075 (extra-super duralumin) base. Each material has been carefully selected to ensure exceptional rigidity and optimal performance for the cartridge.
Cantilever:
The Gold model features a 0.22mm□diamond cantilever, while both the Bordeaux and Cobalt models uses a unique sapphire pipe cantilever.
Coil:
The Bordeaux and Cobalt Blue models are precisely wound in-house at Excel Sound using high-purity copper coils, while the Gold model features specially treated copper coils.
Finally, Excel Sound's skilled craftsmen apply careful tuning and adjustments to the internal structure of each cartridge to give each model its unique sonic characteristics. These final adjustments are the result of decades of accumulated expertise in cartridge manufacturing and can only be achieved through their long-standing experience and craftsmanship.
Where can I test/listen the Etsurojapan cartridges?
Please contact your nearest distributor listed in our distributor contact page.f the distributor in your region is not located in our distributor list, please contact us directly through our contact page.
Warranty
Cartridge:
Dai-Ichi Shoji (UNI-IT) warrants to the owner of this product that it will be free for repair and replacement of defect (when operated according to the condition following the instruction manual and attached label) for a period of two years from date of purchase. When receiving free repair due to failure within the warranty period, please present this manual and contact your dealer from whom this was purchased/or call our service hotline (Tel: +81-45-228-3281) This warranty does not apply if
1）The manual packaged with the cartridge is not presented
2）The date of purchase is unknown
3）Misused, misapplication of product, damage caused by other equipment, damage and abuse caused by unauthorized repair and modification.
4）Damage is caused by transportation and misplacement.
5）Damage is caused by act of God.
Transformer:
Product warranty certificate ET-U50 ※Warranty period 24months
Free warranty regulation
1. If failure occurs by normal usage while following the instruction manual, repair will be conducted free of charge 24 months from the purchased date. Please fill in necessary items and bring the product together with the attached certificate to the purchased store.
2. Following will be subject to repair for fee regardless of being within the warranty period.
a）Incorrect handling, failure caused by other equipment, damage and failure due to unreasonable modification and repair.
b）Failure and damage caused by act of providence such as fire, earthquakes, wind and flood damage, lightning, damage caused by environmental disruptions and abnormal voltage.
c）Failure and damage caused by relocation, transportation, and drops after purchase.
d）Failure and damage caused by usage in uncommon environment, other than general home usage, (e.g. Long hour and continuous usage in shop demonstration, poor environment conditions, outdoor and heavy use).
e) If the warranty certificate attached with the transformer is not presented.
f) If customers name, purchased shop and date is not filled in, or if the filled in wordings are rewritten.
g) Replacement of consumable parts.
The warranty certificate is to appoint free of charge repair under the conditions and the period stated on the certificate. The warranty certificate is not made to restrict customer’s legal right.
