$2k for new Cartridge Benz LP or......


Hi all,

I'm looking to change my cartridge and have the opportunity to trade my Benz Ruby 2 for an LP for $2k. I will be able to hear the LP but not in my system...and the system I will hear it in is significantly differnent so the excercise may be less than useful. I also have Helikon on hand but found it not as pleasing through the mid band as the Benz. It is sitting on the shelf with probably less than 200hrs on it.

What else is out there around the $2k mark that would have the ease through the mid band and some slam..I have refurbed stacked ESLs running back through a Berning ZH 270 or Futterman H3 or Various vintage amps to an Aesthetix Io Sig with VC & 2 supplies . Arm is an SMEV and Hovland MusicGroove 2.

$2K is a challenge I know.. but this is the ease of entry for the LP I'd really love an upper end Koetsu but the $$$ are not workable now..Thanks for any comments.
nkj
Sirspeedy, the retipper in the UK you are thinking of is the cartridgeman www.thecartridgeman.com. He makes the music maker MM cartridge too of course. I have to say I am a Koetsu man too. I am sure Raul is correct, the Rosewood platinum is the one to go for, but I went for a Rosewood Signature and am very happy with it. Don't forget it can be rebuilt in time as a Signature Platinum, by Koetsu. The Signatures are ovewr $2000. but I bought a nearly new one on the Gon 18months ago for $1500 and it was mint. Before you say it, I know the risks of second user cartridges. It is a risk you are prepared to take or not.
Ok I went over budget and got a deal on a Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum !

Any tips on set up with this one? Or break in time?

Oracle V, SME V, Aesthetix Io Sig. w/VC + 2 supplies

I"ll report back on this when I get it installed!
I am envious, if you ever get fed up with it, I will buy it from you. I use the Rosewood Signature, Koetsu don't advise on impedence, but most people recommend 100ohms. It is a long lasting cartridge and break in is prolonged. I felt mine was about 200 hours. I track mine at 1.85gms with slight base down VTA(the adjustment on my Origin Live deck is a bit primitive so I can't give precise VTA details)
Nkj,

I used my Urushi w. an SME supplied spacer to be able to get the VTA negative enough. As a rough guide the VTA should be level to the rear half of the cartridge, which is slightly angled. Use your ear for setting the VTA once broken in. Also, the impedance in my system was set at 100 ohms.

Also, I used blue tack on the arm tube right next to the pivot point & inside the headshell area which did lead to an improvement. Lastly, I hope you are not using the SME included phono cable. There is a tremendous jump in improvement once you upgrade to a better cable.

Hope this helps.
Congratulations Nkj. I used a RSP/Oracle V/Triplanar IV for years and was never disappointed. Though I've "defected" to the Benz LP I still think your front end will be remarkably satisfying. Enjoy!