IKEDA Sound Lab

Founded in 1985 by Isamu Ikeda (born 1929 in Tokyo's Koto district), IKEDA Sound Laboratories emerged after the closure of his previous company, Fidelity Research (established 1964), which had revolutionized analog audio with the FR-1 cartridge and FR-64 tonearm. Ikeda, known as the godfather of Japanese high-end phono cartridges and inventor of the moving-coil cartridge in Japan, established his small workshop to pursue handmade precision impossible under mass production. His innovations include the world's first air-core quadrupole structure (patented in Japan and USA), the first MC cartridge without cantilever, and pioneering use of silver wire and featherweight styli. All products are personally designed, built, and inspected by Ikeda himself, including repairs for overseas customers. The company's flagship IT-407 tonearm (307mm effective length, stainless steel armtube) and extensive cartridge line have earned recognition from audiophiles worldwide, including Japan's Imperial Family. Now in his mid-eighties, Ikeda has handed operations to IT Industries while maintaining the spirit of craftsmanship. After 60+ years making cartridges, Ikeda continues to represent the pinnacle of Japanese analog audio excellence from his workshop.