Koetsu Rosewood Standard vs. Lyra Kleos

[lem321]

Originally Posted by rjryan

I'm wondering if anyone has heard both of these cartridges.

I currently own the Koetsu Rosewood Standard, but have since upgraded my speakers from Tyler Decade D2 to Sonus Faber Olympica III. The Koetsu has performed very well in both systems, but I have to admit it was a bit nicer on the D2's as they were a bit more clinical and needed the mid-range warmth more than the SF's do.

I'm left wondering if a more detailed cartridge wouldn't be the ticket. I like warmth, but not at the cost of detail. From reviews, the Kleos seems like it may strike a balance for me. Should I ride out the Koetsu and have it rebuilt into a Rosewood Platinum when the time comes? Other choices?

I'd be running it through my trusty McIntosh C2600 and mounting it on my Project Xtension 10.

Thanks in advance.

Ryan

Ryan,

I'll take a stab at answering your question regarding a Koetsu Rosewood v. a Lyra Kleos. Although I don't have first hand knowledge of the Rosewood, I do own a Koetsu Vermillion and a Lyra Kleos so the comparison may be comparable. As you stated, the Koetsu provides tremendous warmth and it's wonderful as you know on jazz and vocals. However, it does not have the speed, dynamics and low-end that the Kleos possesses in spades. Your transition to the SF speakers may give you the "warmth" you seek. I find myself missing the Koetsu's midrange warmth when I listen to the Kleos and the speed of the Lyra on certain pieces when I listen to the Koetsu.

As you move up the Koetsu line (e.g. Rosewood Platinum), the sound may be more neutral (read "fast") without losing that Koetsu magic. My druthers more times than not was with the Vermillion which may reflect more my taste in music (jazz and vocals). I eventually got an Lyra Etna SL, which was finally able to provide the best of both worlds IMHO.