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My current Benz-Micro ACE low or Koetsu Black?

I'm currently using a Benz-Micro ACE low-output cartridge with an RB300 arm (and a Moth Alamo table, "...he said under his breath..."), and am wondering if anyone has had the chance to compare such a cartridge to a Koetsu Black...

I think the sound is truly wonderful (as it may be surprising, considering the Moth 'table), but am simply wondering if a move to a Koetsu Black would be an improvement?

I hear all kinds of "magical" verbiage regarding almost anything "Koetsu." Is it worth selling the Benz to fund the Black?

Obviously I wish I could audition them both in my arrangement ("Audio Innovations" in the "Budget Minded" section of "Virtual Systems"), but alas I cannot find a dealer willing to loan a demo out.

Words of wisdom are very much wanted.

Thanks so much for your time,
Mark (ballywho)
ballywho
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Ballywho,
Thanks for being brave enough to mention your table, because I agree with Twl and Johnnantais.

Putting a $1400 cartridge on a $300 table is putting the cart before the horse. I've tried it. It doesn't work. The cartridge highlights all the weaknesses of the table, whatever they may be. A good table and arm can make even an entry level cartridge sing. That's how Johnnantais is set up and I'll wager his rig would bowl you over. A poor table (or arm) will drag even the best cartridge down.

Sell the Moth/RB300 and buy (just one possibility) a Nottingham Horizon SE/RB250. That'll cost roughly the same as a Koetsu Black. Mount up the Benz and you'll be very happily surprised. You'll also have a rig good enough to support a better cartridge the next time the upgrade bug bites.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Wow, KurtTank, Tom, and Jean have all really banged the nail on the head for you, Mark. Good advice. I have tried both of the cartridges you mention. The Ace is a pleasing cartridge, as you say, and though maybe not "better" than the Black, this is subjective and the Benz, IMHO, no doubt sounds very good with that arm. Jean makes a very interesting point, BTW, with respect to the Koetsu "voicing". You will get all sorts of advice regarding table selection. If you are not ready to go that route yet, financially or otherwise, I'd have to recommend sticking with the Ace given your present setup.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Ooops, didn't mean to exclude Doug from the "good advice" category. He must have posted as I was writing.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
No problem. Are we even now? ;-)

(Apologies to others for an inside joke.)
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Mark: The Koetsu cartridge Trade Mark is a faulty low bass and a faulty high frecuency response ( Kurt you are right ). Only the KRSP and the KOSP have good performance all over the frecuency audio range.

Jean that Trade Mark is in all TTs, I already try it on: Micro Seiki, Acoustic Signature, Technics SP10MK2 and Denon DP80. Same " thing ".

Till to now, I never understand why Koetsu do all those heavy faulty designs that are really innacurate to the music sound reproduction.

Mark, Twl is right: change your TT and stay with your Benz Micro and stay away from Koetsu, but the KRSP.

Regards ans enjoy the music.
Raul.
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