Koetsu Rosewood Sig. v Koetsu Rosewood SigPlat

I suggest you check out 10audio.com. Jerry does a really nice job of reviewing 5 Koetsu cartridges, from the Black, all the way up to the Rosewood Signature Platinium.

FYI: The output of the RSP is about 0.2 mv, as opposed to the RWS which is about 0.6 mv (They state is is 0.6 mv, but I think it is closer to 0.4 mv really, IMHO.) This means you need a really top notch phono preaamp with lots of gain to use the RSP. (Say 70 db or so.)

I have the RWS, and it is a very nice cartridge, but it is a little loose in the bass. (If your system has the capacity for really good deep bass, it is not a big problem, just something you live with. If your bass is only marginal, I doubt you could live with the RWS.) I am going to check out the Shelter 90X, to see if it is worth trading the Koetsu strengths (incredible imaging, soundstagind, and of course the Kostsu mid-range magic) for the more balanced sound of the Shelter.

Good Luck in your search!

Dear Gregadd: There is a high difference between these cartridges: the RS is a typical Koetsu sound cartridge and the RSP really shine all over the the frecuency spectrum. The RSP perform very well at the frecuency extremes: LF/HF, where the RS is not a top contender.

If this characteristics are important to you, then pay for it, you will be satisfied.

Regards and enjoy the music.

Raul.

I had both at one point.I must admit Raul is correct in his analysis,but,neither is perfectly neutral,meaning you get that KOETSU sound.That is NOT a bad thing!

update-I went with Koetsu Rosewood Signature. $3,000.00 loan(gift) for nephew's tuition heavy influence on my decision. Why do we have to send them to college. Cheaper to let them stay home and party.
greg

i own the RSP II and agree with others here.....very special cartridge that is full frequency.....outstanding detail and nuance.....and magical tonality. i also agree that you need a low noise phono stage with good gain....the low noise is more significant than the gain since the specialness of the cartridge is most evidant in intimate music.

i use my vdH Colibri mostly since i love it's explosiveness and immediacy.....but the RSP II is still the best at it's strengths.