Twl, your comments are on point with respect to having not mentioned my TT/arm. It is a Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm. I, for one, have no problems with achieving sonic pleasure at a good price. Name brands be damned if there is a suitable "giant killer" to be had.
I appreciate these other suggestions and welcome more. I listen to jazz, classic-rock, and blues in about that order of frequency. I like detailed, extended top end, transparent midrange for vocals, and a tight, punchy bass (NOT "BOOMY", though - I just HATE when that happens). I should add that I briefly auditioned the Koetsu Black on MY TT/arm at a local delaer's shop and found the Koetsu to have amazing detail and timbre on the top end, but slighlty lacking in bass, for my taste. Of course, the bass could well improve upon break-in - the cartridge I auditioned was "cold-out-of-the box".
I appreciate these other suggestions and welcome more. I listen to jazz, classic-rock, and blues in about that order of frequency. I like detailed, extended top end, transparent midrange for vocals, and a tight, punchy bass (NOT "BOOMY", though - I just HATE when that happens). I should add that I briefly auditioned the Koetsu Black on MY TT/arm at a local delaer's shop and found the Koetsu to have amazing detail and timbre on the top end, but slighlty lacking in bass, for my taste. Of course, the bass could well improve upon break-in - the cartridge I auditioned was "cold-out-of-the box".