Looking for a Warmer Sounding Phono Cartridge

Dear @kevemaher  :  " I want warmth with quality. "

Look warmth means no quality for a good phono cartridge, as a fact live MUSIC seated at nearfield position has quality with out warmth.

I think that you do not think you need a new   cartridge because there is not the problem instead my advise is to add to your system a good equalizer analog as Klark TekniK or digital.

That you like the Koetsu does not means is a " rigth " cartridge doing its job because it's not but that's what you like so try the equalizer.

Reards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

Hello, Baylinor is correct. This should increase the mids. If the sound becomes a little dull lower the VTF while keeping it within specs. Meaning if you have an Ortofon cart instead of using recommendation of 2.3g then use 2.1g. Just so you know when you lower your VTA your VTF raises. So adjust the VTF down to 2.2g then lower the VTA. It takes 4mm of VTA to change your SRA by 1 degree. It all makes a difference, even 1 mm. Most people know that you typically are only hearing the change in VTF. What you will gain is more warmth from getting better mids. If you like where the sound is heading but you run out of VTA then call JR at Wallyanalogtools.com or WAM Engineering. He can creat a shim that will set any of your carts to near protection for $500. I feel you have really great carts that are not setup properly. This can be corrected. Remember to start the VTF at the lowest recommended level when your VTA is lowered. You will get the detail back. If you hear sibilance then keep raising the VTF until it’s gone.  

Ok, you should try a protractor that has UNIDIN This was developed in 2010 using LP. Blocks don't work, and neither does VTA The changes you hear from the movement of the arm are attributed to variations in tracking force and pushing the arm in and out of alignment. This Technics table and arm combinations are not exactly great Get Analog Magic. 

It was mentioned already but based on the OP's goals my thoughts go immediately to a Benz.  The LP/LPS or Ebony series fit the bill and are frequently available here from Euro or Asian sellers for less than retail.  The LPS is outstanding, classic analog warmth but still loads of detail, not syrupy at all.  Above stated budget but maybe one of the down range models would fit.  

I’m surprised the Shelter 901 Mk III didn’t do what you want. Though I haven’t heard the 901 yet it looks like a Harmony motor in an aluminum body, and that same motor in the Accord (titanium shell) is truly wonderful IMO, and not too far off from Koetsu. You definitely won’t like the Harmony; its dry carbon fiber body leans things out and it’s more about "pursuit of detail".

Benz are a bit warm and full-bodied, but not as much as Koetsu. It’s still a relatively big difference. They also have a lot more treble energy. The Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and (even better) Kontrapunkt "c" are oddballs in their line which sound more Koetsu-like. Nothing else above or below them sounds remotely like Koetsu.

A Koestu with 1254 SUT is just going to be hard to match in the warm / lush department. The treble should not be fatiguing, even in otherwise bright systems. Not sure any other MC can do that. The suggestions for Grado are expected (I still haven’t heard one!). You might also consider the following:

• Find a good re-tipper to keep your Koetsu running long-term. I’m considering contacting Joseph Long / needlestein if Koetsu doesn’t resume production.
• Look at amp & preamp - this can have a HUGE impact on end product sound, and I’ve definitely noticed some carts synergize better with certain amps and/or speakers. When I’ve had brighter speaker & amp combinations, NOTHING other than a Koetsu would sound natural.