![The History of IKEDA | IKEDA Sound Labs. [Official]](https://www.islabs.co.jp/files/libs/601/202207120915516002.svg?1754297250 "IKEDA Sound Labs.")
Introducing the history of IKEDA Sound Labs. (IKEDA Sound Labs.).
IKEDA Sound Labs. 1984-2010
1984 | IKEDA Sound Labs. established |
1985 | Announced the world's first cantilever-less MC cartridge, the IKEDA9. |
1993 | Announced the IKEDA9Rex, a fourth-generation cantilever-less MC cartridge whose structure was established through improvements. |
1998 | Announced the headshell integrated MC cartridge "IKEDA9Supremo" |
2010 | IKEDA Sound Labs. was inherited by Katsuaki Ishiyama, founder of IT Kogyo Co., Ltd. |
IKEDA Sound Labs.'s masterpiece (until 2010)
- "IKEDA 9"
Cantilever-less MC cartridge - "IKEDA 9 Supremo"
Cantilever-less MC cartridge with integrated headshell - "IKEDA 9 MUSA・U"
Cantilever-less MC cartridge with wooden headshell - IT-345/407
IKEDA's signature dynamic balance tone arm
IKEDA Sound Labs. 2011-2013
2011 | Announced that the headshell integrated MC cartridge "9MUSA・U" will be available for order production. |
IKEDA's first cantilever model MC cartridge, the "9TT," is announced. | |
IKEDA announces the IT-345CR1/IT-407CR1 dynamic balance tonearm, an improved version of the IKEDA theory. | |
Announced the IST-201 step-up transformer for low-impedance MC cartridges. | |
Headshell "IS-2W/B IS-2TW/B" Lead wire "ISL-1/ISL-2" Cable "HBC-MS-5000 series" announced | |
2012 | Announced the "9mono" mono playback-only MC cartridge |
2013 | IKEDA announces its first boron cantilever model MC cartridge, the 9TP. |
IKEDA Sound Labs. 2014-2018
2014 | Announced the headshell integrated MC cartridge "SAI" as the successor to the "9MUSA・U" |
Announcement of tone arm elevation "IT-VTA-06" | |
IKEDA announces the entry-level MC cartridge "9TS" | |
2016 | IKEDA announces the MC cartridge "9xx", the first to use a titanium alloy base mechanism |
2017 | Silent insulator "SS45R" announced |
2018 | Headshell "IS-2TCR1/IS-2TGL1" and lead wire "ISL-3" officially added to product lineup |
IKEDA announces "Amane" - its first headshell-integrated MC cartridge, which uses a special vibration-damping alloy for the base mechanism. |
IKEDA Sound Labs. 2019～
2019 | Announced the IT-407SS dynamic balance tone arm, which uses stainless steel for the main parts. |
2020 | Announcement of the independent tone arm stand "TAS-SSA" |
2022 | IKEDA's first diamond cantilever MC cartridge, "Akiko," is announced as the new IKEDA's 10th anniversary model. |
2024 | Headshell "IS-2TSS" officially added to product lineup |
2025 | IKEDA's first integrated diamond cantilever MC cartridge, "Saekan," is released as a 40th anniversary model. |
IKEDA Sound Labs.'s representative works (2010-)
- "9mono"
Next-generation MC cartridge for mono record playback (Analog Grand Prix 2013 Special Award winner) - "9xx"
This MC cartridge has a high customer satisfaction rate due to its deep low frequencies and high S/N ratio (Analog Grand Prix 2017 winner)
- IT-407SS
Seven years since the IT-345CR1/407CR1. All-stainless steel dynamic balance tone arm (Analog Grand Prix 2020 winner) - "Akiko"
The diamond cantilever MC cartridge (Analog Grand Prix 2022 winner) fully embodies IKEDA's passion for "enjoying music!" - "KOHAKU"
The 40th anniversary integrated diamond cantilever MC cartridge draws you into the world of records with its next-level resolution.
A legacy that continues to grow.
Katsuaki Ishiyama
Katsuaki Ishiyama
Born in Kunitachi, Tokyo in 1946.
After graduating from the Department of Electrical and Communications at Meisei High School, he worked in over 30 different jobs, including peddling and land transport, before jumping into the world of audio at the age of 23.
Established IT Kogyo Co., Ltd.
1974 years,IT Kogyo Co., Ltd.He founded the company and has served as its president ever since.
Succeeded IKEDA Sound Labs.
In 2010, he took over the company's legacy and took over IKEDA Sound Labs.
We have released beautiful Ikeda products such as the 9xx and IT-407SS to the world, and have won numerous awards.
In 2022, Ikeda released its first diamond cantilever MC cartridge, "Akiko."
He passed away in 2023 at the age of 77.
Akiko Ishiyama
Akiko Ishiyama
Born in Kunitachi, Tokyo in 1977. She is the eldest daughter of Katsuaki Ishiyama, the founder of IT Kogyo Co., Ltd..
After graduating from a culinary school, he got a job at a French restaurant.
After that, she worked as a model and then as an actress while also working at IT Kogyo, manufacturing audio equipment.
He studied under Eiji Kanda, founder of Mutec.
He is currently responsible for the production of all MC cartridges at IKEDA Sound Labs.
Studied under Eiji Kanda of Mutech
At the time when IT Kogyo Co., Ltd.. took over IKEDA Sound Labs.
He trained in Niigata under Eiji Kanda, the founder of Mutec.
IKEDA Sound Labs. To all MC cartridge manufacturers
From Katsuaki Ishiyama, founder of IT Kogyo Co., Ltd..
Appointed as head of MC cartridge manufacturing at IKEDA Sound Labs.
He also oversees the overhaul of products from the cantilever-less era.
Using her sense and good ear, which have been her strong points since her days as an actress,
Soft and warm sound creation
From veteran IKEDA users to analog audio fans around the world
We continue to produce our products with care, receiving applause from our customers.
Ryutaro Ishiyama
Ryutaro Ishiyama
Born in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture in 1984. Husband of Akiko Ishiyama, director of IT Kogyo Co., Ltd.
He joined a local choir in elementary school and formed an indie band in high school.
After graduating from high school, he worked as an actor in commercials, movies, and on stage.
He retired from acting after getting married and worked at IT Kogyo Co., Ltd., manufacturing audio equipment.
Currently, all tone arms and
He is currently working as the production manager for tone arm accessories.
Studied under Katsuaki Ishiyama, successor of IKEDA Sound Labs
After getting a job at IT Kogyo,
From Katsuaki Ishiyama, the successor of IKEDA Sound Labs and founder of IT Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Starting with OEM assembly of tone arms,
Buffing, sandblasting, belt sander processing, silk printing, etc.
You will learn what is necessary to be involved in the manufacturing of audio products.
IKEDA Sound Labs. To all tonearm manufacturing managers
After several years of training,
Katsuaki Ishiyama entrusts him with the partial production of tone arms for IKEDA Sound Labs.
A few years later, he was entrusted with the entire process.
He was eventually appointed head of tonearm manufacturing at IKEDA Sound Labs.
We also overhaul Fidelity-Research tone arms.
Based on the technical capabilities that have been used in over 10 types of OEM products,
We strive to improve quality every day, never settling for satisfaction.
