IKEDA — Cartridges
Akiko
A decade of analog mastery distilled into a single diamond-cantilevered masterpiece.
Crafted to honour a decade of dedicated craftsmanship, the Akiko stands as the first Ikeda cartridge to feature a diamond cantilever, delivering an unprecedented level of precision and sonic transparency. This flagship instrument incorporates the most advanced materials and manufacturing techniques currently available, ensuring that the entirety of the musical information contained within the record groove is retrieved with absolute fidelity.
Positioned at the apex of the Ikeda lineup, the Akiko reflects the philosophy of the late master craftsman Katsuaki Ishiyama. It is an instrument born from deep research into material resonance and magnetic efficiency, designed for the listener who views analog playback as a path to the very heart of a musical performance.
The sonic signature of the Akiko is defined by its remarkable vitality and dynamic scale. By eliminating mechanical coloration and utilizing high-purity signal transmission, it renders a soundstage that is both vivid and expansive. From the delicate, airy textures of acoustic strings to the deep, authoritative weight of a piano, the Akiko communicates the texture and emotional intent of a performance with effortless realism.
Key Features
01
Diamond cantilever
Utilises diamond, the hardest natural material, to ensure the fastest and most precise sonic transmission possible.
02
Micro-ridge stylus
Features a micro-ridge stylus profile to track the finest details of the record groove with exceptional clarity.
03
Titanium body construction
Machined from a solid billet of titanium for superior rigidity, finished with a buff-polished pink gold ion-plated surface.
04
Advanced damping alloy
The inner base uses a specialised high-absorption anti-vibration alloy to eliminate interference and resonance.
05
PCOCC coil wiring
Employs high-purity single-crystal copper wire to ensure the most transparent and efficient signal path.
Chapter 01
Manufacturing Process
Every Akiko is manually produced by master builders, with each unit subjected to a rigorous and time-intensive alignment process. The choice of materials—from the solid titanium billet to the precisely shaped yoke base—is the result of months of iterative testing, balancing mechanical properties to achieve a signature sound that is entirely free from resonant coloration.
Chapter 02
The Story
Developed to celebrate ten years since Katsuaki Ishiyama assumed leadership of Ikeda Sound Labs, the Akiko represents the culmination of his vision. It was a project pursued with a single aim: to incorporate the absolute best technologies available into a single, cohesive instrument that pays homage to the Ikeda legacy while looking toward the future of analog playback.
Chapter 03
Listening Notes
Reviewers note that the Akiko is distinguished by its ability to extract energy from the record groove that was previously unheard. It excels at balancing a weighty, grounded low-frequency presence with crystalline, delicate high-frequency passages, creating a three-dimensional soundstage where instruments are rendered with vivid, life-like physical presence.
Specifications
TypeMoving Coil (MC)
Power / output0.35 mVrms (1kHz)
Weight15 g
Impedance6.0 Ω
Suitable stylus pressure1.75-2.0g (recommended stylus pressure 1.75g)