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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
quincy OP
356 posts
 
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,
david12
1,454 posts
 
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
gregadd
574 posts
 
try the quicksilver transfoemer.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
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.
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