cartridge Benz, Koestu, Lyra

Did you ever recieve the Koetsu Black? What do you think of it?

I have the Koetsu Black (newer generation) and love it. Not only is it holographic it just plays music period. I have had a Benz glider as well as Dynavectors, Shure and Sumiko's in the past. But I will be sticking with the Koetsu for life.

There are a couple of nice used ones on Agon.

Excellent choice. You will be very happy. Did you make a deal on a new or used Black. Which preamp in your system will you be using it with, I see you have 2.

I bought my Koetsu Black from a reputable party on audiogon. He said it only had 10 hours of use since it was on a demo table in his audio store. I have no doubt that this was true. I needed to play the cartridge for about 50 hours before it sounded right. The highs opened up and it became more transparent in the mids, while still having all of the glory of the Koetsu sound. Also VTA plays an important role with the Koetsu. I found that the arm just slightly lower in the back (bearing side) is ideal and tightened up the bass tremendously.