Newbie needs some cart advice for a SME V/Dyn P75

Raul, I respect your point of view and experience of many, many arms and cartridges, however the current SME arms are neutral with a slight tendency to emphasise bass (in many combinations). Because the Koetsu is bass light (agreed!) it works better with an SME than many other arms (Naim Aro, etc.).

My intention was to encourage Zanth (who says he is new to vinyl) to try the Black out before letting it go cheaply.

My affection for the Koetsu Black is probably nostalgic - when I first heard one 20 years ago it blew me away - one of those "I've got to have one" moments. I've nurtured my KB ever since, swapping it out with a more workaday cart on my FR64s for special listening sessions.

I also like detail and absence of coloration - I'm expecting a Dynavector XX-2 to arrive early next week, which should be quite a contrast.

Zanth I'm pleased you've got your table running well and have the opportunity to appreciate the Koetsu.

fwiw, i am currently using a sumiko celebration with the p-75, on my vpi scoutmaster and the match has been terrific. beyond the beautiful music this combo produces, i find the celebration to be the least fussy/sensitive cartridge i have ever used. in other words, get a good middle ground setting for vta/vtf you're good to go. also very easy to align.

that being said, my understanding is that the 17d2/p75 combo is a match made in heaven for obvious reasons. so if you can't find a used celebration(or just don't want a used cart) i don't think you can go wrong with the all dyna set up. and don't give up on the p75 before you've put at least 100-200 hours on it. and make sure to leave it on 24/7 for best performance. and with the koetsu, or any low output mc, it's best performance will be in "enhanced" mode. it really is a very underrated performer, especially with lo mc's.

good luck.

Dear Flyingred: Tks, now I understand. Good luck with your XX-2 a very good cartridge indeed and yes that will be a " contrast ".

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear Zanth: Doug is right, Benz Micro is a good alternative especially the Ruby 2.
Unfortunatelly is out of your budget.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.