$2k for new Cartridge Benz LP or......

The problem I had was that the Music Metre Silver phono cable had a loosely wrapped shield. Music Metre preferred unshielded for their silver cables, but with my set up and all the power supplies it was picking up too much hum.

The Harmonic Technology was not shielded well enough, it had a low level hum. Also, the musical presentation of the Harmonic Tech was not quite right to my ear. It seemed a bit bright.

The Graham IC-70 was very well shielded but seemed to be a bit soft or muted. It could have been a break-in issue, but that cable just did not do it for me musically.

I found a 2m Nordost Quattro Fil. It turned out to be the quietest of the bunch. The shielding completely eliminated the hum. Also, it was the most musical phono cable. Sweet highs and rich mid-range. The bass is really extended and tight.

I am going to sell that Quattro Fil, having just recently upgraded to the new Nordost Tyr phono cable. It takes everything the Quattro Fil did up a couple levels. More bocy on the sound, way more ambient detail (without sounding detailed or etched at all).

Alas, I have never heard the Purist Venustas, but have read a lot of good things about it.

Enjoy the music!!

oldvinyl

Sirspeedy, the retipper in the UK you are thinking of is the cartridgeman www.thecartridgeman.com. He makes the music maker MM cartridge too of course. I have to say I am a Koetsu man too. I am sure Raul is correct, the Rosewood platinum is the one to go for, but I went for a Rosewood Signature and am very happy with it. Don't forget it can be rebuilt in time as a Signature Platinum, by Koetsu. The Signatures are ovewr $2000. but I bought a nearly new one on the Gon 18months ago for $1500 and it was mint. Before you say it, I know the risks of second user cartridges. It is a risk you are prepared to take or not.

Ok I went over budget and got a deal on a Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum !

Any tips on set up with this one? Or break in time?

Oracle V, SME V, Aesthetix Io Sig. w/VC + 2 supplies

I"ll report back on this when I get it installed!

I am envious, if you ever get fed up with it, I will buy it from you. I use the Rosewood Signature, Koetsu don't advise on impedence, but most people recommend 100ohms. It is a long lasting cartridge and break in is prolonged. I felt mine was about 200 hours. I track mine at 1.85gms with slight base down VTA(the adjustment on my Origin Live deck is a bit primitive so I can't give precise VTA details)

Nkj,

I used my Urushi w. an SME supplied spacer to be able to get the VTA negative enough. As a rough guide the VTA should be level to the rear half of the cartridge, which is slightly angled. Use your ear for setting the VTA once broken in. Also, the impedance in my system was set at 100 ohms.

Also, I used blue tack on the arm tube right next to the pivot point & inside the headshell area which did lead to an improvement. Lastly, I hope you are not using the SME included phono cable. There is a tremendous jump in improvement once you upgrade to a better cable.

Hope this helps.