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My current Benz-Micro ACE low or Koetsu Black?

I'm currently using a Benz-Micro ACE low-output cartridge with an RB300 arm (and a Moth Alamo table, "...he said under his breath..."), and am wondering if anyone has had the chance to compare such a cartridge to a Koetsu Black...

I think the sound is truly wonderful (as it may be surprising, considering the Moth 'table), but am simply wondering if a move to a Koetsu Black would be an improvement?

I hear all kinds of "magical" verbiage regarding almost anything "Koetsu." Is it worth selling the Benz to fund the Black?

Obviously I wish I could audition them both in my arrangement ("Audio Innovations" in the "Budget Minded" section of "Virtual Systems"), but alas I cannot find a dealer willing to loan a demo out.

Words of wisdom are very much wanted.

Thanks so much for your time,
Mark (ballywho)
ballywho

Showing 1 response by hi_hifi

hi_hifi
120 posts
 
The K. Black clearly has some Koetsu magic; especially in the midrange and high end. It is a very pleasing cartridge. The one I heard (which was over a period of a week or so, so maybe it wasn't fully, fully broken in, but I made a best effort at it) didn't have a low end that could match it's beautiful midrange and very good high end.

The Shelter 901 meets or exceeds the K. Black in the midrange, exceeds the K. Black in the high end, and is in a different (superior) league in the low end. The low end has outstanding extension and is very tight.

These are just my opinions, ymmv, but check out the Shelter 901.
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