2. analog
  3. 1240910741

Choice of Koetsu cartridges?

You guys recently helped with my choice of a Benz cartridge and I am more than happy with my Benz LP, the best sound I have heard in my vinyl system. I am planning to collect a small number of cartridges to use over the years. I have a Zyx Airy 3 as a spare. It's nice, but not a patch on the Benz for speed and dynamics particularly.
The other cartridge I loved was the Koetsu Rosewood signature, that I used exclusively for 3 years. I would like to move up a step in the Koetsu range, but which? Whatever I get, will be second hand, so it will depend on what appears on the Gon.
My vinyl system:
TW Accustic Raven one/Ortofon 309D
K&K phono stage
Viva Solista integrated amp
Acoustic Zen Adagio, but due for an upgrade ? Daedalus DA1 or Art Deco 8 signature.

I enjoy most genres of music, classical, opera in particular, Blues, Jazz, Singer songwriters, not much heavy rock.

You seem to have 2 choices, change the coil material or the body, or both, but that gets out of my price range, even 2nd hand. That is a crude simpification I know.
So choices would be:
Rosewood Signature Platinum
Various Urushis, all slightly different in output, magnets, coil windings, confusing in itself.
Onyx, as far as I know, the cheapest of the stone bodied Koetsu's
Anyone any opinions on this? I am looking for more of the Koetsu sound, plus better speed and across the frequency range neutrality, but without losing that undoubted Koetsu midrange magic, thanks.
david12
rudolffzigray
31 posts
 
I have much experience with many carts...If someone told me I had to buy a current Koetsu, I would try one of the platinum Koetsu's. I have not tried them. I have tried the Urushi series, I did not like them. I have a koetsu rosewood sig and it is very good. I just received an Onyx signature (not platinum, sugano sr.), no comment yet. I have had better luck with older Sugano Sr. cartridges then the sons efforts...

You know everyone conjur's up in there mind about this magical midrange Koetsu's have. I have now had several koetsu's, I currently have 3 and Im not convinced that the midrange is magical...See, vinyl alone, has a magical midrange. I have carts from many manufactures, and their midrange is just as good as koetsu's, some better.

Try to not limit yourself to a certain manufacture, You will be shocked by how different and I feel better alot of companies are. Benz and Koetsu are no where near the top of my list. Also your arm will have a tremendous part in how well a cartridge performs in your system.

Look for good deals to come up on Audiogon, where you wont loose much money or any if its not your cup of tea. Be careful though, even people with exceptional feedback misrepresent cartridges and hours, either out of ignorance or purpose.

Manufactures to think about....VDH, Shelter and Dynavector

I feel dynavector has the most natural midrange in Hi fi,

VDH, has the most exciting cartridges I have ever experienced, just absolute screamers!

Shelter, i feel is the biggest bang for the buck. A 90x will compete with anything out there. Its not the best but it will compete. I have not heard the 9000 or the harmony. But these two are my most wanted at the moment. But thats because I have had alot of the rest.

I am not trying to confuse you, just open you up.

Kindest regards
Rudolff
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear David: I can't say better than Rudolff.

Due to what you own right now IMHO I think it is time to the XV-1s

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Koetsu midrange magic

"Magic", huh? Well, that isn't what I would call it. ;-)

I agree with Rudolff and Raul on this one and also recommend the XV-1s. That cartrige will play all of the genres you enjoy, and will also play rock, very well indeed. The xv-1s has a very nice tone without ever over coloring in order to hide the warts.

The only issue I have with Shelter is that their cartridges need a very good tonearm matching to handle the amount of energy fed back by the cartridges.
More to discover