Koetsu Cartridge Question

You should be fine with a regular 0.60 mv output Koetsu. (Basically you have the same phono gain as I have with my Ayre.) You will not be making a mistake, trust me!

Regarding the Benz, I think the reason I thought it was bright, was that it was in my system. I use the Revel Studios, and they have a very efficient HF response. (In fact, they have front and rear tweeters, with controls for both, in case it is too bright.) I think that the Benz can be a little bright, sometimes, and my speakers can be a little bright, sometimes, and combined, they are a little too bright. Just not quite the synergy needed. Live and learn!

The Koetsu in my system, on the other hand, has SYNERGY in capital letters! As I said, I can not wait until I can upgrade to a better Koetsu, although the Black is not bad, just lacking a bit on the HF and LF extensions. The mid-range is pure magic, and I would love that to be extended just a little more.

Good Luck!

PS Which Koetsu are you looking at?

Kurt,
Well, now that I know that I need to stay in the 0.6mV range family of Koetsu cartridges I can start shopping! I am not in any emergency replacement mode, so, I may even try E-Bay based on John's recommendation (see above). Based on your experience and recommendation, I will avoid the "Black" Koetsu version (entry level) and look for other 'Koetsu versions' perhaps even the Urushi! I will post a thread when the eventfull day occurs! Thanks everyone!
Regards,

This thread is quite old, so nowone will read this, but I have just installed my Rosewood signature bought from Audiogon classifieds of course. sounds pretty good straight from the box, but its improving all the time. I replaced my Kontrapunkt B with the Koetsu, it has a lower output of .47v as against .6 for the K. Volume levels seem the same, I am putting it through an Audio Synthesis Passion Phono, into a Conrad Johnson Prem 17 and both cartridges seem to need volume up to 40-50/100, as against 35-40 for CD. The output of the Passion is quite high at 68. In short the Platinum Koetsus are in my opinion, going to need 68db's plus of gain, excluding most of the tube phono stages because of noise

try the quicksilver transfoemer.

I run a Koetsu Urushi at 100 Ohms and 60 dB gain into Krell KPE reference phono pre. Going from a Benz Glider 2 to this cart was pure heaven. The sound just keeps getting better and better, even after two years of moderate use.