Koetsu Black and Rosewood cartridges...

[cmalak]

Do any AAers have a Koetsu cartirdge? Specifically interested in user feedback on the Black Goldline and Rosewood cartirdges but wuld like to hear from any Koetsu cart owners on the house sound. Appreciate any and all feedback. Thanks

[Robert_Anderson]

I have had both versions. I currently have a Urushi in my collection. The Black was mounted on a Wilson Benesch I had for about two years. For the money, it is really hard to beat. it is very well balanced and musical. The Rosewood becomes magical at the Rosewood Platinum, which I think is around $6000 now. I don't think you can lose with the Black, and there are times I still wish I had mine.

[Tonepub]

I use the Urushi Blue, and have my eyes on a Rosewood sig. Platinum. Ive used the black and regular rosewood, and both of those cartridges are very warm, gooey and slow sounding compared to the rest of the line.

The Urushi's and the RSP are really the jewels in the line, offering the best combination of "midrange magic" and dynamics, without being rolled off on the top.

If you find these intriguing, another cartridge that I've just put my hands on that is very similar to the Urushi and the RSP is the new Palo Santos from Sumiko. I'd put this baby right up there with an RSP at about 40% less. ($3995 MSRP)

I was an inch away from pulling the trigger on an RSP, but I may grab the Sumiko at the end of the review period.

The new Pearwood is also excellent at $2500, a little warmer and slightly less resolving than the Palo Santos.

[cmalak]

Thanks randerson3024 and Jeff. If they roll off the highs a bit, that may not be too bad with my Thiels but if they are "gooey and slow" I will look elsewhere. Thx for the feedback so far. Keep them coming if there are any others out there.

[Puma Cat]

Cyril,
I have an Urushi Vermilion and I think it is fantastic. Beautiful mids, even better bass than my Shelter, with very sweet highs. i've never heard violins sound so natural until I got my Urushi. Also very quiet in the groove.

Agree with Jeff on this one, the sweet spot in the Koetsu lineup are the Urushis or the Rosewood Sig or even better, Signature Platinum.

-PC

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Cyril,
I have an Urushi Vermilion and I think it is fantastic. Beautiful mids, even better bass than my Shelter, with very sweet highs. i've never heard violins sound so natural until I got my Urushi. Also very quiet in the groove.

Agree with Jeff on this one, the sweet spot in the Koetsu lineup are the Urushis or the Rosewood Sig or even better, Signature Platinum.

-PC

Stephen...if that is the case, it's more than I want to spend for a cartridge upgrade down the road at this point. Thx for the feedback all.

[Puma Cat]

Cyril,
I bought my Vermilion for $1850 used with less than 400 hrs....just as a point of reference.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Cyril,
I bought my Vermilion for $1850 used with less than 400 hrs....just as a point of reference.

I am leery about buying carts used though given how delicate they are unless one pops up locally and my dealer's vinyl guy can inspect the cart under a microscope but thx for the follow up.

[Puma Cat]

I bought my Shelter and the Urushi used, and my Grado mono Sonata from Jeff used, and have had virtually no problems. I find that discriminating audiophiles tend to take very good care of their gear. Jeff in particular takes extremely good care of his gear and packs his stuff he sells like nobody else.

Just my 2¢.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

I bought my Shelter and the Urushi used, and my Grado mono Sonata from Jeff used, and have had virtually no problems. I find that discriminating audiophiles tend to take very good care of their gear. Jeff in particular takes extremely good care of his gear and packs his stuff he sells like nobody else.

Just my 2¢.