Koetsu vs Dynavector vs Lyra??

I'd love to hear what you're hearing....sounds fun!
That's one iritant for me with these forums, it's like reading about food without getting to eat it.

If you like the Koetsu Rosewood sound, another Koetsu would be the safest bet. The Onyx Platinum I've heard, though is not nearly as warm sounding as a Rosewood, so there is a signficant difference within that family.

Still, the Titan would be a much bigger departure from the sound you are getting from the Rosewood (faster, more dynamic, more open on top, but leaner sounding). I own a Titan, and have taken considerable measures to make its sound work in my system. It is VERY sensitive to VTA, it requires mating with the right phono stage, etc. And still, if someone says it is too analytical and cold sounding, I can understand the sentiment.

Outside of the Koetsu family, but, more in line with the warmer sound of the Rosewood than the Lyra Titan, I like the Orpheus. I had a friend's Orpheus in my system for about two weeks and liked its slightly warm (upper bass/lower midrange prominence) presentation. It is not as "fast" and dynamically explosive as the Titan, but, it is no slug either. The other cartridge I have heard, that is somewhat similar sounding (I heard it in a friend's system, not my own) is the Ortofon PW.

I don't know about the top end Grados. These are very warm sounding and harmonically rich (conveys the complex and full bodied sound of bowed string instruments correctly) cartridges, but, for my taste they sound too slow and muddled (somewhat like a blanket has been thrown over the speaker). I actually thought the table was running WAY slow when I heard the Statement.

Allaert makes some terrific sounding cartridges that are also soemwhat warm sounding but reasonably detailed and open on top. Some of these are VERY good, but VERY expensive. Some have really low output that can be problematic. A friend has the top of the line cartridge and it doesn't have enough gain for his Boulder phonostage -- too much noise and a dull sound. I've heard that same cartridge in a dealer system sound fantastic, so it is a matter of compatibility.

It's hard to even guess what someone else will hear, but my guess would be go with another Koetsu or the Orpheus (the Phoenix is cheaper and no slouch either).

Note these JV comments are from TAS's Editor's Choice Issue.

"Editors Choice Award - The Absolute Sound, 2008

"The Onyx Platinum may... well be the last word in integrating low level resolution, transient speed, neutrality, soundstaging, dynamic range or any other of the standard review categories into realistic musical wholes - and because it is more concerned with wholes than parts and so much more generous than analytical, it allows you to forget you're listening to a hi-fi and to concentrate on the music, making it sound good and real in a uniquely pleasing way."
- Jonathan Valin, The Absolute Sound, Issue 185, October, 2008"

You found a music presenation you like. The Onyx will give you that and possibly much more without losing what you like.

Have you considered an Air Tight PC-1? It is very detailed and quick, but not analytical or dry. Lots of body and wonderful timbre. Simply beautiful on vocals and strings.

i owned the Koetsu RSP for 10 years, for the first couple it was my reference cartridge; i recently reluctantly sold it. yes; it's the 'classic' Koetsu and was always a lovely performer. while 10 years ago it was in the performance ballpark with other top MC's that's no longer true. there are quite a few other cartridges which will get you closer to the music without glossing over so much detail and energy. i'm no expert on the stone body Koetsu's.....however many love the Coralstone.

recently i have been listening to the Lyra Olympos, which is still breaking in. my long-term reference had been various versions of the vdH Colibri. for energy and detail there is nothing that touches the Colibri; but it is typically too edgy on many Lps for most listeners. the Olympos gets most of the way to the Colibri on detail and energy, but adds a civility and refinement as well as a measure of warmth that seems perfect. it only has about 30 hours on it so far but seems to improve almost every time i listen.

the Koetsu RSP and a vdH Colibri are about as far apart in presentations as one can get; yet both bring unique superlatives to the table which i enjoyed for years. the Olympos seems to combine the strengths of them both in the service of the music. you can get beauty and truth in one cartridge. it would be an excellent choice for one who loves the Koetsu sound.....but wants 'it all'.

a caution; the Lyra Olympos is not cheap and one needs a 'donor' Lyra Parnassus for the magnets to have an Olympos built.

added note; i have owned the Dynavector XV-1s. it is a very nice all around cartridge....and, i think, preferrable to the Koetsu RSP. OTOH i have an Allnic Verity 'Z' which i (provisionally) likely prefer to the XV-1s at less money. i only have 50 hours on the Verity Z so my opinion is not yet fully formed. but it seems a great value; very energetic and musical....with a big bottom end.