Koetsu Cartridge Question

I use a Koetsu Black, and the non-platinum versions have an output of 0.6 mv. I use (rather used to use) an ARC LS-2 preamp and an ARC PH-3 phono preamp, with a gain of 54 db. (I forget what the stock load impedence was though.) It sounded very good to me.

I now use a Ayre K1-x preamp, (having just bought it a week or so ago), with the optional phono board, which has a variable gain of 40, 50 or 60 db. It is currently set at 50 db gain. It works fine, and sounds great, but the volume control is pretty much maxed out. (I will probably be changing the gain to 60 though pretty soon.)

Therefore, I would advise you to stick to the non-platinum versions of the Koetsu line of cartridges, as I doubt you have the gain necessary to get 0.25 mv output to work. If you can afford it, I recommend that you get the Urushi, which is the top of the non-platinum line. From my research, it is among the best cartridges available. Also, you might want to check around on both Audiogon as well as Ebay, as there are some people who sell Koetsu's for about 1/2 the price that the normal dealers do. (I suspect that they buy them directly in Japan for about 40% the usual price, and resell them here for a decent, but not obscene profit. I really wonder why Koetsu cartridges have such a large markup here? I think if they were to cut the price in half, they would really be in a position to compete very favorable with the Shelter line. My opinion of course.)

PS Did you get tired of the slight brightness of the Glider? (It got to be a little fatiguing to me, which was why I upgraded to the Koetsu. I hope to upgrade to an Urushi myself at some point.)

PPS By the way, check out the Koetsu reviews on this site:

http://www.10audio.com/koetsu.htm

I'll second Kurt_tank's advice on not getting the Platinum Edition. 52 db of gain is not enough to drive a .25mV cartridge, IMO. I have a BAT VK-P5 with 56 db of gain and the Koetsu Rosewood Signature (.6mV ouput). I also have a Lyra Helikon which has a .5 mV output. While I can play the system as loud as I want, I don't believe I can go for a much lower output cartridge. My BAT VK-31SE preamp has a volume control that goes up from 0-140(random numbers, not db's). I generally play cd's at around 75-85, and LP's between 100-110. So I do have a little more gain in the preamp, but not enough to drive a .25mV cartridge. My BAT phono pre has resistance loadings from 100 to 47K, I'm using 100.

I would either look at one of the Koetsu's with a .6mV output, or get another phono stage if you want the .25mV Platinum.

Cheers,
John

PS: Phenomenal cartridge!

The Koetsu Platinum is worth the extra effort, but I agree the other posters that CJ EF-1 does not have enough gain at 52 DB.

I own the Koetsu Rosewood Platinum Signature, combined with Aesthetix Io (80 DB gain at factory setting). I actually have to reduce preamp volume when switching from CD to phono because the LP has so much more gain.

By the way, should you decide on the Platinum. I arrived at 1K Ohm loading after a lot of testing. Loading recommendations are effected by interconnect cables, phono and preamp designs as well as personal preferences.