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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
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rauliruegas
13,101 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.
ballywho OP
134 posts
 
Thanks a ton for all of your advise.

Ready for this? I used to have a Horizon - what an awesome table! Don't ask me how I ended up with the Moth (seriously, don't), but now I'm kinda stuck with it (hence my system being in the "Budget Minded" section). I've kicked myself over and over for getting rid of it, but am going to have to live with what I've got for the time being.

The great thing is that my modest setup really does sound pretty damn good. I've listened to all sorts of systems over the years, and this one, for whatever reason - be it the room, the speaker positioning, the cryo'd tubes, the wires...or that awesome cartridge/arm combo - sounds just great for my taste/music selections (acoustic guitar, piano, traditional jazz, ancient music, etc.).

I, like all of you (not to make any assumptions) are in some sort of constant search for "better sound." Even if it's not required, we like the process and experiences along the way (and all that freaking incredible music!)

Anyhow, thanks again - I hope you all find what you may be looking for.

Cheers,
Mark
hi_hifi
120 posts
 
The K. Black clearly has some Koetsu magic; especially in the midrange and high end. It is a very pleasing cartridge. The one I heard (which was over a period of a week or so, so maybe it wasn't fully, fully broken in, but I made a best effort at it) didn't have a low end that could match it's beautiful midrange and very good high end.

The Shelter 901 meets or exceeds the K. Black in the midrange, exceeds the K. Black in the high end, and is in a different (superior) league in the low end. The low end has outstanding extension and is very tight.

These are just my opinions, ymmv, but check out the Shelter 901.
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