New or used cartridge

@handymann 
Sorry to veer off topic at various points. I can also report that I started out in Koetsu by buying used. I've gambled twice here on Audiogon with the purchase of used stone Plantinums (Onyx and Jade), both advertised in the ubiquitous "300ish hours" range, and was very satisfied with both results. Both sellers seemed to be enthusiasts, not dealers or high-volume cartridge flippers. That was several years ago, and I still have them now; I had the Onyx rebuilt last year.

Some people are adamant against used cartridge purposes, but it worked for me. Especially when you can get a full Koetsu rebuild for a reasonable cost. But I'd steer clear of the Soundsmith'd ones. 

Mulveling: No worries. Thanks for your advice and to others as well. I think, when I get around to it, I'll put my Urushi Black up for sale and perhaps get the Jade. Always appreciate all opinions.                                                 Steve

Cost/benefit ratio is very, very low when you hit the stratosphere of cartridges. I'd be very reluctant to sell your existing cartridge until you audition, or if necessary buy the new one and listen to it.  You may find that you've already attained a sufficient dose of audio nirvana!

I have an original Sugano era hand made Urushi and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

If you want to improve the system - why not look at other areas - what phono stage you have etc.?

wspohn:

I have fairly decent hardware.  I have an Aesthetix Rhea Signature phono, an Aesthetix Calypso Signature linestage going into a couple of Krell 600 monoblocks.  I have a Dynavector DRT XV-1s I really like, as well as my Urushi Black.  I have the Urushi mounted on a 1974 Pioneer PL-71.  I had trouble at first, but after talking to Koetsu, I found out my problem was with tonearm mass.  It may sound getto, but I installed a thin strip of Dynamat along the arm itself, with a cut of refrigeration permagum on the headshell, then balanced the tonearm out. It made the difference between night and day.  I've had SO many tell me there's just no way, my Pioneer can sound anywhere close to my VPI, but it does. I'm getting ready to install the Koetsu on my VPI Scoutmaster, to see how that sounds.  I love both carts, just thought of maybe trying something new.  Historically, I'm not one of these people who is constantly changing their equipment.  I put some very low noise tubes in my Rhea and they really brought my noise floor down on my phono preamp.  I really like my sound and it's very articulate, with good soundstage and imaging.  I built a modified QRD-13 that is flush with my front wall.  Being 20" deep, it really helped broaden my imaging.  My Rhea has several stages of gain and I run both carts on 62, which leaves me plenty of room for a lower output cart.  I considered buying a SUT, but don't feel I need it.  Wish I had one to try, without actually buying it.  I found I can purchase a new Koetsu direct from Japan, at a significant savings.  At this point, I may just stick with what I have.  I live in the Nashville Tennessee  area and there's only one high end store I'm familiar with and they don't carry Koetsu.  I'm always appreciative of any comments or suggestions.

Steve

To add a tip when it comes to hours on used carts: the internet doesn't forget, you Google a used cart you are interested in with a claimed number of hours and you find an old advert of the same cart with more hours logged. Go figure