2. analog
  3. 1141419769

Carts that sound like a Koetsu

Hi folks, it's a bit silly question, but are there (less expensive) carts that resembles Koetsu's soundwise? I'm asking this because I haven't heard a Koetsu (or that might be once, very long ago), so I actually don't know how a Koetsu sounds. The Koetsu's are very expensive, but have a very specific sound, loved by many audiophiles. Do for example Ortofon SPU's sound in a similar way? Or maybe the Sumiko Celebration? Thank you.

Chris
dazzdax
fretless
5 posts
 
Here's a brief Shelter 901 review that draws a few comparisons to Koetsu. Personally, I don't think the 901's midrange is quite as "magical" as a Koetsu, but YMMV.

http://www.10audio.com/shel_901.htm
biomimetic
252 posts
 
I agree about the shelter not having that magical quality, but I like it better at every price point.
cmk
397 posts
 
I'm surprised no one mentioned the Denon 103R, the poor man's Koetsu.
yagbol2
66 posts
 
Nothing sounds like a Koetsu. Nothing sounds like ZYX. Nothing sounds like a Shelter. They all sound different. But they all sound good. Gist is choose what you like.

I don't any cart manufacturer would stake claim that they're carts sound Koetsus or Lyras or Clearaudios.
thomasheisig
568 posts
 
I think, that is very different, because Koetsu's can sound different in different Systems. 2 friends of mine , one owns a Koestsu Onyx, he loves it, but was totally shocked about the improvement in his System when he got a Shelter 901 (the Onyx will go on sale), the other one had a Koetsu Jade, sold it, still has a Rosewood Sign. Platin, never uses it, because he prefers a Zyx and some others he owns more.
I think, when you want the Koesu "Sound", buy one.
More to discover