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Koetsu cartridges - myth or reality?

Hi guys - I am looking to upgrade my 1 year old Dynavector xx1 MC cartridge - I have heard (and read) for many years that Koetsu cartridges are a great option for those looking for musicality, right timbre and lush-sounding analog.

Digging further I find that some cathegorize them as slow sounding, not great tracking and poor price/performance ratio as well... I am looking for advise from those who have experience with Koetsu - particulary those who moved from a fast sounding cartrdige like Dyna, Clearaudio or Lyra - missing anything once you moved?

Thanks

Fernando
128x128flg2001
david12
1,398 posts
 
I agree with Kurt tank too, I would only add, you should try UK prices if you think they are expensive. I loved my Rosewood Signature, but am happier with the Zyx Airy 3 I have now. I am sure they are coloured, but in a musical, wonderful way. The Platinum series are much less so and I think the Rosewood Signature Platinum probably has the best price performance ratio, if your phono stage can handle the low output.
Look at 10audio the online site, some very good Koetsu reviews, which I very much concur with
flg2001's avatar
flg2001 OP
543 posts
 
Wow - terrific feedback - thanks so far!

1.- I like coloured presentation IF it is musical (which based on your kind response seems like the Koetsu line does).

2.- If you had the chance to take a look at my system - I own Avantgarde speakers - which are fabulous BUT a b****h to tame! particulary on keeping the midrange OUT of the horn - this might call to try first due to the midrange presentation you all described (and I feel tempted to try).

3.- My amp is 300B based (ergo - GREAT mids) - this stacks up to my last comment.

4.- I LOVE this hobby.

Fernando
stevecham
3,298 posts
 
My Urushi was a great tracker and all around performer until I heard a Lyra Argo i. I now use a Lyra Helikon instead of the Urushi in my main system and an Argo i in my second system.

Lyra has the qualities I like, detail retrieval and a tremendous sense of trackability, even across the most dynamic passages e.g., Ray Brown Soular Energy.

For me, line contact is the way to go.
detlof
1,899 posts
 
Kurt has said it all and mirrors my experience better than I could say it myself. I am familiar with Stevecham's Helikon and used it until a switched to a Clearaudio Insider. What kind of music are you generally listening to? With your kind of setup, I'd opt for the Koetsu, although I completely have to agree with what Steve has told us.
lewm
6,770 posts
 
If you don't want to spend the bigger bucks for the Koetsu stone series or the Platinum upgrades, consider the Urushi. The Urushi avoids some of the bass and treble colorations for which the lower level Koetsu's are noted but retains that wonderful lush midrange and tracks very well. Love my Urushi. When it wears out I will likely have it Platinum-ized.
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