My take on the Koetsu house sound is very similar to Raul's, but perhaps even more critical. Personally I find even the RSP annoying. I haven't heard a Jade or Onyx either, and if my money's involved I'm not likely to! ;-) It's an acquired taste perhaps, but one that bears little resemblance to live music.
IME some people who like or think they might like Koetsu warmth are coming from CD's. If you're just moving from CD to vinyl it's understandable that you'd seek a warmed over midrange and gladly sacrifice clear and extended highs. Not musically right of course, but understandable. The upper mids and highs of most CD's and CDP's are so intolerable that most of us would do anything to escape the glare and grain.
What kind of sound Zanth will end up wanting from his vinyl rig is anyone's guess. For the moment, another cartrdige choice might be a Benz, which IME has exactly the character he asked for but without the syrupy coloration of a Koetsu. Raul would know better than me which Benz's mate well with an SME V.
IME some people who like or think they might like Koetsu warmth are coming from CD's. If you're just moving from CD to vinyl it's understandable that you'd seek a warmed over midrange and gladly sacrifice clear and extended highs. Not musically right of course, but understandable. The upper mids and highs of most CD's and CDP's are so intolerable that most of us would do anything to escape the glare and grain.
What kind of sound Zanth will end up wanting from his vinyl rig is anyone's guess. For the moment, another cartrdige choice might be a Benz, which IME has exactly the character he asked for but without the syrupy coloration of a Koetsu. Raul would know better than me which Benz's mate well with an SME V.