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
Fernando - all the Koetsu's are great. I really love mine and recommend them unreservedly. However Raul brings up a very good point.

Your RB300 cannot, and will not, bring the best out of a Koetsu, not even the Black. If you go for a Koetsu you'll need to upgrade to a much much better arm.

Perhaps your first step should be to keep your current cart and upgrade your arm.

Regards
Paul
Thanks all for your feedback - I forgot mentioning that I already bought an SME IV tonearm - (currently on its way thru FedEX - and that is the reason of looking for a change of cartridge.

I agree with the description of the Dynavector sound - nothing to complain at except of a not so envolving presentation - tonality is great. speed and decay are fine as well, but a little lightweight presentation overall (could be my modified RB300?).

There is a Coral Blue (?) listed here at a reasonable price - but I just can't find any feedback on that particular Koetsu model. Hunting season started!

Fernando
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What budget are you looking into? It may be interesting to you that Albert Porter traded in his Jade for an Airtight PC-1.
Dear Fernando: Good to know that you will have the IV that is a better match to your XX-2 that the RB300.

Now, IMHO and due to my Koetsu experiences that SME is not the best match for a Koetsu cartridge. If you insist on this kind of cartridges you will find a better quality performance with other tonearms.

I think that before you decide to go for a Koetsu take the time with your Dyna in the IV.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Thanks Raul - you are not the first one who say that the Dyna in the SME will really shine - I will definitely take my time there - the arm will be here next Wednesday.

I remeber you recommending me the Sumiko Celebration for the SME - do you still agree?

Regards,