Bottom Rung Koetsu..

Any Koetsu is a good cartridge. The question is do you like the sound? I like the Koetsu sound. Another cartridge to consider in this price range is the Shelter 901. Some consider it to be the best sounding cartridge of all. This is very subjective. Both the Shelter 901 and 501 provide excellent price/performance ratio. They are low output MC with about 9-10 compliance number. I think the weight is about 7-8 grams. Check the EIFL Export website from Japan.

I use the Koetsu Black with a Rega 600 and Michell gyrodec...I am quite happy with the sound. Have also heard good things about the Shelters but have not listened to one in person.
Good Luck!

In its time--a long while ago--Koetsu Black and Denon DL 103D were considered roughly equal. You can buy a new 103D for $229, which I see as a great bargain. I got a second one, 20 odd years after my first, and enjoy it as much as my Koetsu Rosewood Signature in another system. Email me for how to contact Denon if you're interested.

Tom, I also use a DL103 in my system. I agree with your assessments. Many times, however, people cannot believe that a low priced cart like the DL103 can compete with something like a Koetsu. And sometimes they just want that name brand recognition. Also, he doesn't tell us what his tonearm is, and we both know how tough the DL103 is on arm bearings. The Koetsu and Shelters are a little easier to manage at 9 or 10 in compliance than the DL103 at 5. It is one stiff mama. But I love the sound of mine. I use a Origin Live Silver 250 arm and it handles the Denon real well.