Can I get more out of my Koetsu ?
Hi Team,
This might be one of my only discussions on here so pls take it easy on me🙏.
My current dilemma is, as the title suggests, I don't know if I am doing one of my carts (Koetsu Rosewood Standard) justice.
Current setup is:
Koetsu > Yamamoto HS-5 headshell 18.4g > Technics 1200GR standard arm W-achromat > EAR MC4 > EAR Phonobox Classic > Leben 600x > Devore Fidelity 096;
The MC4 SUT is a new addition and it is all sounding pretty magical to me right now. Previously I was using the SUT in the phono stage.
I know the Koetsu is meant to be on a high mass arm and that is why I added the HS-5 head shell. It is heavy and brings the resonance calculation to acceptable range. I do have to add the added counter weight for the technics arm but with it everything tracks perfectly.
My other cart is a Hana ML low output MC cart. I like that one too but it only requires a medium mass arm which the Technics is so theoretically a better match.
The Koetsu already sounds magical and better than the Hana to my taste but how do I know if It could be sounding even better?
The way I see it:
Strategy advice on how to navigate this problem and if new turntable is the answer some suggestions on how to approach that.
I am not fussy about audio equipment that looks like it can take me to the moon. I am more into older style equipment that just sounds lush, magical and gives me technicolor dreams.
Thanks in advance!!!
@mijostyn …”you need to try the combo of a very low impedance cartridge and a transimpedance phono stage.”
Thank you for the recommendation. I have slowly systematically moved to where I am today over the last fifty years. This is exactly where I want to be. |
Well not to make a comment of little value… but absolutely. It is only a question of cost.
I have a Koetsu Rosewood Signature. I first mounted it on my Majik Linn LP 12 (mid level)… then upgraded my turntable three times (to near Klimax level), added a Silent Running Audio Ohio Class isolation platform and my Phonostage to an Audio Research Reference 3SE. Each time its performance improved significantly. So there is really no limit anyway near you. I would probably start with the turntable. Then look at a better Phonostage. |
OP, looking over your system… sort of anchoring on your speakers. I would say complementary components (if carefully chosen) would be about $5K each. For a Phonostage, I would go used. Audio Research PH8 would be my choice, or new Pass XP17, or Presto.
My strategy, if I were you, would be to swap my components to be up to the level of my level of speakers. Hence, I would upgrade with the objective of taking me out of the market with each purchase. So, the phonostage should take you out of the market. I would you upgrade your TT next, this would net you a substantial gain. Your integrated amp is probably at the level of your speakers. So, that would be at an optimal level. Typically, I’ll live there for seven to ten years until my financial situation improves and I can think about the next level.
FYI, I own an Audio Research Reference 3. I brought home a ARC Reference 3SE this weekend to audition. Very notable improvement. So, I will send mine back to the factory to upgrade it to SE. clearly worth the money. |
