koetsu


seeking advice as to where the sweet spot is in this line price/performance.

dancekerl
Hard to answer that if it is sounding so good!  I use a Fidelity Research FR-64S which has an effective mass of 35 grams.  I am currently using a Jelco-Rosewood headshell at 16.7 grams.  I would assume that the resonance Hz is below ideal, but this combo won't even fit on the vinyl engine calculator. Might have to try a lighter headshell for fun.


I'm using the HiFi News Analogue Test LP to measure resonant frequency: side 2, track 2.  If you are curious to see how your setup measures.  It's an audible/visual test.

I have an Audio-technica AT-LH 18, 18 gram head shell coming in soon, I will use that, and recalibrate to see if I can make the optimal 9Hz - 10Hz frequency.
I own a Koetsu Urushi.  Which I like. Unlike other cartridges in the Koetsu line below the level of the "stone body" Koetsu's, the Urushi has some low bass and extreme treble.  Otherwise, the Koetsu sound is a midrange sound, once again excepting the stone-body ones.  The Urushi is not a super low output cartridge; output is either 0.4 mV or 0.6mV, depending upon the stylus velocity at which you measure the output.  Syntax, an occasional acerbic commentator on this forum, used to hate Koetsu cartridges and never missed an opportunity to insult the brand.  But then I think he got hold of a stone-body Koetsu and fell in love.  Either that or I am falling for his sense of irony.  Use a high mass tonearm.

The argument about SUTs or not to use a SUT or what is the best SUT is eternal in audio.  The subject is actually rather boring. Try one and see if you like it, is my advice.  My phono stage (Atma-sphere MP1) has been modified by me in a way that greatly increases its gain. Thus I can handle the output of even an MC2000 with much headroom to spare and dead silence.  But I would like to try the T2000 SUT made by Ortofon for the MC2000, just to see if it is a match made in heaven or whether Dover is right. One or the other.

Someone characterized low output cartridges as those having an output of less than 1.0mV.  That sort of value is more typical of a HOMC; many preamps can handle that much output with ease.

James1969, I wouldn't tie myself in knots to go from 11Hz to 10Hz, unless you hear symptoms of a problem.  If that is the case, I would shoot for 8Hz.  But I ascribe to the notion that if it sounds good, it IS good.  Did you measure 11Hz or are you estimating it by calculation?  The latter method is fraught with possibilities for error.
@lewm, James, & Karl,
And everyone else for that matter-
This has all been enormously helpful.
I do not have the opportunity to audition hardly any of my purchases. And yet I've been very fortunate to have assembled good sounding systems by way of thorough research and "sound" judgment.
Thanks again
lewm,  I'm not too worried about 1Hz really, I'm using the HiFi News Analogue Test LP to measure resonant frequency.  I'm not hearing any issues what so ever, what I hear is making me very happy with my choice.

dancekerl, good luck with your decision, please let us know where you land.  The Koetsu experience is real.