3000.00 grado vs 1800.00 koetsu black

In regards to Koetsu, I've heard several models like Rosewood, Urushi, and others. Similar to Darkmoebius' experience, as you go up the line, the sound becomes more refined, more detailed, and you get more extension on both ends.

FrankC

Well, I have actually owned both, in fact, I own both now, but the Black needs a retipping.

I have the previous version of the Statement (the 2.5k one not the 3k one) and I will say that it actually sounds in the same realm as the Koetsu house sound, it is closer to that house sound than lower Grados. The Koetsu, being an MC, has a lovely midrange but its highs are sometimes etched out, not as natural as they should be (higher models of Koetsus improve this as well as providing more extension).

The Grado has a sublime midrange and a top end that is never harsh, but is extended. The bass is generous and tight, never out of proportion with the other frequencies.

I don't have much experience with carts, but from what I have heard the Grado is the best. It is also the most expensive I've had in my setup, 1k more than the Black.

Price isn't everything but if I were to have 1600 and I could buy the Statement or the Black, I would go Statement.

I tried a koetsu black on a pre-cirkus LP12 with ittok arm and didn't find the results very good . The koetsu seemed to expose the LP12s lack of neutrality and sounded quite harsh compared to the same arm and cartridge on a gyrodec . I think some of these issues were sorted out with the cirkus modification but otherwise I would go for one of linn's own cartridges which seem to suppress the midrange harshness or at least audition the koetsu on your turntable before purchase .