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Kuzma/Koetsu feedbak??

I am seriously considering the purchase of a new TT rig.  It consists of a Kuzma Stabi XL DC turntable, a matching Kuzma 4 Point 14" tonearm, and a Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum cartridge.  It will be played through a Naim 500 series amp and preamp and phono stage.  The speakers are a pair of brand new Grandinote Mach 36's.  I would appreciate any and all feedback from those familiar with this equipment.
Thanks for taking the time,
Mitch
orenstein
ddriveman
171 posts
 
Hi,

I owned several Koetsu cartridges. Onyx Platinum, Coralstone Platinum and now the Coralstone Diamond Cantilever Platinum. I've not tried the Koetsu on the Kuzma 4pt tonearm although I have a Kuzma 4pt (11") but not setup yet. I've got 6 tonearms including the Kuzma and that's waiting on another turntable to be setup etc...
Anyway, 2 points:
1) I would recommend that you try the Koetsu stone body carts. Much better than than the wood bodies. Especially given your choice of TT and arm. In fact, I would urge you to try the Diamond cantilever stone bodies.
2) One of my turntable dealer friends have tried the Koetsu Coralstone on the Kuzma and says it's a good match. I don't doubt him as he truly knows turntables and owns both Walker and Kuzma.

Best
amg56's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
amg56
887 posts
 

@oenstein

I use a Kuzma Stabi Ref with the 2's power supply, which according to Franc, makes mine a Stabi Ref 2. I use a Stogi arm and a J Allaerts MC1 cartridge. When set up correctly, the sound is heavenly.

I also use a MS BL-91L with MS-505L arm, MS1500 with a Max-237 arm, a Nakamichi Dragon CT and my first turntable, a JVC QL-Y5F.

Of all of these which would I keep if I had to sell all but one? Hmmm.... tough ask, but I think the Kuzma wins over the MS BL-91 by a hair, over the MS-1500 by another hair and then the Nak by another hair.

The lesson is when the turntable is set up properly, most of them can sound great.

I think you are going to be one happy camper with the Kuzma.

terry9
2,354 posts
 
I use the Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum with diamond cantilever on a DIY air bearing setup. Absolutely excellent - but sensitive to setup. For example, VTA changes the tonality from a bit warm (tail down) to a bit analytical (tail up). A very nice tone control!!
cousinbillyl
190 posts
 
My Koetsu Black is around 25 years old. Re-tipped long ago by Van Den Hull. It was paired with the Zeta tonearm. Fabulous combination, but old.

I had the Kuzma 4Point (12"), now have the Kuzma 4Point 14". Greatest tonearm I've ever owned.

The Black still has that Koetsu magic. The Kuzma was a great partner.

However, now I have the ZYX Universe lll. I'll never listen to another cartridge. The Kuzma/ZYX combination is thunderous in its dynamics.
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

I own Kuzma Stabi Reference for some time but deed not thought

much about suitable tonearms back then. Because I also owned

Triplanar VII I thought that this Kuzma can ''bear'' 10'' tonearms.

To my big surprise this was not the case. Only 9'' tonearms can

be used on this Kuzma. The Triplanar's pivot is next to the

VTA adjuster such that this construction allows 10'' kind.

When I wanted to install my FR-64 S instead this was not possible.

I also own Basis Exclusive phono-pre with two separate pres

so I wanted an second arm with an armpod and ordered both

by Vidmantas , the owner/designer by the Reed. At present I

use Reed 3P (12'') on the left back side and Sumiko 800 (aka

''the arm'') on its ''legitimate'' place. I own many MC carts and

owned also Rosewood  Signature but was not impressed by

this cart. Well with Urushi Sky Blue which (Urushi) are called

''painted Rosewood''. I don't believe that those have the same

generator. My (provisional) best cart is Allearts MC 2 which

I would advise if the means are available. Unbelievable

technical specs.


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