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Matching Koetsu Stone Body Platinum Cartridge

I'm considering upgrading from my Lyra Delos to a Koetsu Jade or Onyx Platinum. I really like a silky smooth sound, but listen to a lot of rock and want solid bass.

From what I've been able to read, it sounds like the Koetsu stone body carts would be a great fit. I may even spring for the diamond upgrade given the (mostly) great things I've read.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to audition this cart, so I'm relying primarily on reputation and what I've read. Not ideal, but I'm ok with the risk. I just wanna make sure these carts are a good match for the rest of my rig.

Here's what I'm running:

Brinkmann Oasis with Graham Phantom Supreme II
Shindo Vosne Romanee pre-amp
A23 SUT
Shindo Lafon gm70 monoblocks
Shindo 604 Altec speakers

Obviously I'm most concerned with matching the table, arm, cart and SUT. Any insight on whether this would be a bad, good, great or stupendous match?

A few more questions...

Is the diamond upgrade is worth the extra cost?

What are the sonic differences, if any, between the jade and onyx differences?

Finally, what is a realistic turnaround time these days from order to delivery for someone in the US?
128x128bgupton
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,610 posts
 
Why not go all the way :-)

Koetsu Blue Lace

Good listening

Peter
bgupton's avatar
bgupton OP
15 posts
 
@Peter - Nice, but I'm hesitant to buy any cartridge used. I wonder if Koetsu would still service a used cart. I suspect so, but would I just have to go thru the distributor?
rockitman's avatar
rockitman
417 posts
 
Get the Jade and drop the diamond cantilever option. I know a dealer who has tried a coralstone with diamond and found it a bit too sizzily/sibilant on top. I use both a coralstone and Tiger Eye with boron cantilevers. These carts are a great match for Graham arms and music from rock to classical. The bass is solid.
lohanimal
659 posts
 
I would ask either syntax or mike lavigne - both have used most of the best cartridges out there and give very fair advice.
bobsdevices
97 posts
 
I have personally used the Azule and Tiger Eye, along with the Rosewood Signature Platinum. My favorite is the Azule. Having also listened to several of the rosewood signature platinum cartriges, I find each one to sound slightly different. So I wonder if the difference I hear between the Azule and Tiger Eye is just a difference in variation of the cartridge, rather than the stone itself. I find that they all sound their best with a step up ratio of 1:20.
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