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Koetsu Cartridge Question

Greetings All!
I have been considering the purchase of a Koetsu cartridge, either new or used. From the research I have been able to conduct, it seems that these carts like to be loaded at 100 Ohms. Warnings abound about phono stages and availiable gain due to the low mV output of these cartridges. (Platinum editions output 0.25mV) I am currently envolved with a Benz Micro Glider at 0.8 mV output. My Conrad Johnson EF-1 phono stage is only capable of the following load impedances: 200, 500, 1.9K, 9.6K, and 47K. Availiable 'gain' in the C-J unit are 40, 46 and 52 dB respective. My table is a Michell Gyro SE, equiped with an SME V arm. The EF-1 runs into a C-J Premier 17LS pre, then bi-amped into a C-J Primier 11 and C-J MF 2250 amps. Can I make a Koetsu cartridge work with this set up? I do not want to replace the EF-1 phono. Thanks for any/all advice!
Regards,
quincy
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
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!
albertporter's avatar
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albertporter
4,949 posts
 
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.
quincy OP
356 posts
 
Kurt,
Yes, I have noticed that 'used' Koetsu cartridges are for sale on Audiogon. I have and will buy again off Audiogon. I do not think I would ever purchase such a specialized device off of E-Bay. As far as the Benz is concerned....No I do not feel it is to 'bright'. I have just had the "Benz" for 18 months, and would like to try another type of cartridge. And yes, I have checked out all the reviews here prior to posting my question. No one has posted a negative responce about any Koetsu product. I always try the Audiogon search engine route first to save the 'repeat from last week' answer syndrome. Do you think a 0.6 mV Koetsu at 200 Ohms loading and 52dB Gain setting will work? If not, I wish to avoid an expensive mistake!
Regards,
bryanp
42 posts
 
The Koetsu works best in my system at 100 Ohms. Your question about gain; 52 db should be enought. How efficent are your speakers?
quincy OP
356 posts
 
Bryanp,
Speakers efficiency is 92 dB. Kef Reference Series, Model 3-2. Audioquest interconnects and speaker cables. Bi-Amping with tubes on high end, solid state on low end.
Regards,
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