@ghdprentice , IMHE brand loyalty is a big mistake.
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:
- somehow hack a high mass arm onto the technics (don't think this would be easy and maybe not recommended)
- Upgrade to technics 1200g (better arm but still not high mass. actually think its less mass than the GR)
- Start a new journey with another table with high mass arm (possible but $$$)
- Just be happy with what I got and buy more records 😃
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!!!
Showing 4 responses by mijostyn
@kdogsy , I think most of us that have gone that route prefer it. It works only with very low impedance cartridges which most of the best cartridges are. I would be very surprised if the Little Loco or the big Loco did not make a significant improvement over what you are doing. Another option is the Channel D Lino C. The benefit of the Lino C is that it has a flat output. No RIAA correction. This allows you to use digital RIAA correction and with Channel D's Pure Vinyl program you can record records to Hi Res digital files, 24/192. This allows you to raid your friend's record collection and record any special stuff they have. |
@ghdprentice , you need to try the combo of a very low impedance cartridge and a transimpedance phono stage. @jasonbourne52 , What being an audiophile is all about is neurotic worrying about how to make your system perform better. Most people who love music are not audiophiles. I am convinced that being an audiophile is a surrogate for being a talented musician. I use to play the drums. I have a natural sense of rhythm and timing but not enough fast twitch fibers to make it work at the appropriate level. So, I listen to Dave Weckl, Gavin Harrison, Billy Cobham and Buddy Rich, dreaming I am them. |
@kdogsy , you did exactly the right thing. As @lewm suggests you might try adding even more mass to get the resonance frequency down to 8 Hz. Adjust your antiskating so that the tonearm drifts very slowly towards the spindle in the run out area between grooves. Soundsmith make a really nice set of graded cartridge screws which you can use to adjust the effective mass of the arm. The only significant improvement (easily noticeable) would be to go to a better phono stage. The Koetsu has a very low impedance, 3 ohms and would mate beautifully with a current mode phono stage like the Sutherland Little Loco. You will certainly notice an improvement in bass definition. |