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Choice of Koetsu cartridges?

You guys recently helped with my choice of a Benz cartridge and I am more than happy with my Benz LP, the best sound I have heard in my vinyl system. I am planning to collect a small number of cartridges to use over the years. I have a Zyx Airy 3 as a spare. It's nice, but not a patch on the Benz for speed and dynamics particularly.
The other cartridge I loved was the Koetsu Rosewood signature, that I used exclusively for 3 years. I would like to move up a step in the Koetsu range, but which? Whatever I get, will be second hand, so it will depend on what appears on the Gon.
My vinyl system:
TW Accustic Raven one/Ortofon 309D
K&K phono stage
Viva Solista integrated amp
Acoustic Zen Adagio, but due for an upgrade ? Daedalus DA1 or Art Deco 8 signature.

I enjoy most genres of music, classical, opera in particular, Blues, Jazz, Singer songwriters, not much heavy rock.

You seem to have 2 choices, change the coil material or the body, or both, but that gets out of my price range, even 2nd hand. That is a crude simpification I know.
So choices would be:
Rosewood Signature Platinum
Various Urushis, all slightly different in output, magnets, coil windings, confusing in itself.
Onyx, as far as I know, the cheapest of the stone bodied Koetsu's
Anyone any opinions on this? I am looking for more of the Koetsu sound, plus better speed and across the frequency range neutrality, but without losing that undoubted Koetsu midrange magic, thanks.
david12
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
David 12,

I also agree with all the above. Regarding Koetsu "magic", Rudolff said it perfectly, "...vinyl alone, has a magical midrange." Why gild the lily?

If you point a gun at my head I'll say get a stone body, the higher the better. A Jade Platinum has less of that Koetsu "magic" than any wood body, though still too much for my ears. The Onyx Platinum has less, it's almost tolerable - but I might still ask you to just pull the trigger.

I'm unfamiliar with your arm, but assuming a reasonable match the Dynavector XV-1S, Transfiguration Orpheus and ZYX UNIverse all play the genuine midrange magic that's already carved into the grooves, along with speed and neutrality no Koetsu can match. The XV-1S will provide more bass oomph and big dynamics. The UNIverse will provide clearer, faster, more extended highs and more low level/harmonic information. The Orpheus kind of falls in between them. They're all exceptional cartridges that honestly try to play what's in the groove without coloration.
david12 OP
1,454 posts
 
The Ortofon 309D is pretty hard to find, the company do'nt promote it, but it is a very fine unit with 12" effective length. I bought it on the advice of the TW designer, thomas, who uses it himself. Effective mass is about 14gms. I checked compatability on the tonearm cartridge matching site and most of the suggestions match.
I am sort of getting the advice I was expecting, Dynavector XV 1S. The Universe I am not so keen on, I was pretty underwhelmed by the Airy 3, despite it's good reputation. I know the Univers is a big step up.
I am not ignoring the counsel of those wiser than me, but humour me. If I was to make the choice of a Koetsu, which would you go for?
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
If I was to make the choice of a Koetsu, which would you go for?

Koetsu Black
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear David: So, you not have anymore the Koetsu Rosewood that you like it so much.

IN this case and according to your priorities I will go for the KRSP and/or the XV-1s. If you like the LP ( that I own too ) I think that you will be in love with the Dyna.

All in all things are about music sound priorities/preferences. All the other ( non Koetsu ) cartridges name here ( and others out there ) are very good too and that's why the people's recomendation.

I don't know if your electronics accept MM cartridges because the MM alternative is very good too and wotrh to try it.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I am a VDH and Dynavector dealer but if I really wanted to spend the money I would get the Urushi Sky Blue for my own use. As it is I will probably get a used Black.
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