Koetsu vs Dynavector vs Lyra??

Note these JV comments are from TAS's Editor's Choice Issue.

"Editors Choice Award - The Absolute Sound, 2008

"The Onyx Platinum may... well be the last word in integrating low level resolution, transient speed, neutrality, soundstaging, dynamic range or any other of the standard review categories into realistic musical wholes - and because it is more concerned with wholes than parts and so much more generous than analytical, it allows you to forget you're listening to a hi-fi and to concentrate on the music, making it sound good and real in a uniquely pleasing way."
- Jonathan Valin, The Absolute Sound, Issue 185, October, 2008"

You found a music presenation you like. The Onyx will give you that and possibly much more without losing what you like.

Have you considered an Air Tight PC-1? It is very detailed and quick, but not analytical or dry. Lots of body and wonderful timbre. Simply beautiful on vocals and strings.

i owned the Koetsu RSP for 10 years, for the first couple it was my reference cartridge; i recently reluctantly sold it. yes; it's the 'classic' Koetsu and was always a lovely performer. while 10 years ago it was in the performance ballpark with other top MC's that's no longer true. there are quite a few other cartridges which will get you closer to the music without glossing over so much detail and energy. i'm no expert on the stone body Koetsu's.....however many love the Coralstone.

recently i have been listening to the Lyra Olympos, which is still breaking in. my long-term reference had been various versions of the vdH Colibri. for energy and detail there is nothing that touches the Colibri; but it is typically too edgy on many Lps for most listeners. the Olympos gets most of the way to the Colibri on detail and energy, but adds a civility and refinement as well as a measure of warmth that seems perfect. it only has about 30 hours on it so far but seems to improve almost every time i listen.

the Koetsu RSP and a vdH Colibri are about as far apart in presentations as one can get; yet both bring unique superlatives to the table which i enjoyed for years. the Olympos seems to combine the strengths of them both in the service of the music. you can get beauty and truth in one cartridge. it would be an excellent choice for one who loves the Koetsu sound.....but wants 'it all'.

a caution; the Lyra Olympos is not cheap and one needs a 'donor' Lyra Parnassus for the magnets to have an Olympos built.

added note; i have owned the Dynavector XV-1s. it is a very nice all around cartridge....and, i think, preferrable to the Koetsu RSP. OTOH i have an Allnic Verity 'Z' which i (provisionally) likely prefer to the XV-1s at less money. i only have 50 hours on the Verity Z so my opinion is not yet fully formed. but it seems a great value; very energetic and musical....with a big bottom end.

I have owned a Koetsu Jade, Urushi,an Air Tight PC-1, MSL Eminent, and more. I currently own a Titan i, and VdH Colibri. IMO w. your arm you would be best served by the MSL/Air Tight/Transfiguration family. While the Titan i is incredible I find its performance to excel in my Schroder a high mass arm. The MSL,Airtight & Transfiguration Orpheus are all fairlyl similar as they are very similar in sound & design w. improvements as you go up the line. I have listened to the Orpheus on the Vector and it was a very nice match. But I can't imagine the Titan i being a great match w. the Vector. But when it is well matched there is no lack of body or thinness in sound as some have mentioned. If anything it goes to the rich side. It really isn't about the cartridge alone, it is about the right match for your arm.

a zyx may fall somewhere in your tastes too if you are considering a lyra. I have never owned a koetsu, but like higher end grados fo the body. However, like some people here, I got addicted to the neutrality and speed of the lyra and zyx carts.