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Choice of Koetsu cartridges?

You guys recently helped with my choice of a Benz cartridge and I am more than happy with my Benz LP, the best sound I have heard in my vinyl system. I am planning to collect a small number of cartridges to use over the years. I have a Zyx Airy 3 as a spare. It's nice, but not a patch on the Benz for speed and dynamics particularly.
The other cartridge I loved was the Koetsu Rosewood signature, that I used exclusively for 3 years. I would like to move up a step in the Koetsu range, but which? Whatever I get, will be second hand, so it will depend on what appears on the Gon.
My vinyl system:
TW Accustic Raven one/Ortofon 309D
K&K phono stage
Viva Solista integrated amp
Acoustic Zen Adagio, but due for an upgrade ? Daedalus DA1 or Art Deco 8 signature.

I enjoy most genres of music, classical, opera in particular, Blues, Jazz, Singer songwriters, not much heavy rock.

You seem to have 2 choices, change the coil material or the body, or both, but that gets out of my price range, even 2nd hand. That is a crude simpification I know.
So choices would be:
Rosewood Signature Platinum
Various Urushis, all slightly different in output, magnets, coil windings, confusing in itself.
Onyx, as far as I know, the cheapest of the stone bodied Koetsu's
Anyone any opinions on this? I am looking for more of the Koetsu sound, plus better speed and across the frequency range neutrality, but without losing that undoubted Koetsu midrange magic, thanks.
david12

Showing 2 responses by david12

david12 OP
1,454 posts
 
The Ortofon 309D is pretty hard to find, the company do'nt promote it, but it is a very fine unit with 12" effective length. I bought it on the advice of the TW designer, thomas, who uses it himself. Effective mass is about 14gms. I checked compatability on the tonearm cartridge matching site and most of the suggestions match.
I am sort of getting the advice I was expecting, Dynavector XV 1S. The Universe I am not so keen on, I was pretty underwhelmed by the Airy 3, despite it's good reputation. I know the Univers is a big step up.
I am not ignoring the counsel of those wiser than me, but humour me. If I was to make the choice of a Koetsu, which would you go for?
david12 OP
1,454 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your advice, as usual, helpful and to the point
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