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In the Forum: Analog Playback
In the Thread: The mystery of Koetsu Onyx Cartridges.
Post Subject: Curiosity killed the cat?Posted by drdna on: 6/25/2009
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Okay, since you ask, I think I have said it before, and I consider it kind of pointless since we are talking more for the sake of nostalgia not anything to do with what we may do with our audio systems in the present. Anyway, yes I owned the Rosewood Pro IV. I also owned the Rosewood. I also had the Onyx Platinum but got rid of it right away. I heard for a few weeks some Urushis as well.
I can only tell you what I have heard in my system. The new Koetsus have similar characteristics: they have many of the same flaws. It was possible for me to forgive these flaws for the splendor of the Sound the old Pro 4 had. I understand and can believe that many people that listen to the old Koestsu cartridges also like the new ones, but they are I believe only listening to the sounds from their stereos, not the Sound.
Is it my faulty memory? I do not think so, because I am still looking to recapture what was lost. Currently I am thinking maybe there is something to be done with the tweeter on the Titan speaker system that may help? The point is I remember the Sound which was lost. So what was it? I can describe it as facilitation: easier access to what the piece emotionally was expressing, easier insight into meaning. Do not misunderstand me: I do not think the Pro IV was the world's best cartridge -- it was flawed in many ways. The worst was this way: it was like coming back from a long trip and seeing your girlfriend. She is so happy to see you and hugs you and kisses you. Well, that is fine. In fact it is the best feeling in the world, isn't it? Only she keeps doing this and after several minutes everyone at the airport is staring. You are getting kind of freaked out and begin to wonder about her inappropriate behavior.
I cannot express how stunned and disappointed I was with the new Onyx cartridge, as there was the dull softness and molasses-like slowness of Koetsu, but somehow it was like a stone wall with all the real delicacy and emotion missing. Like eating honey that isn't sweet.
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