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In the Forum: Analog Playback
In the Thread: The mystery of Koetsu Onyx Cartridges.
Post Subject: Onyx RelativityPosted by drdna on: 6/21/2008
I think that the perception of the Onyx depends on the rest of one's stereo system and the other components one compares it to.

When I say the Koetsu is one of the top cartridges in the world, I would say this about most modern audiophile cartridges, too.  By the standards of today's available cartridges, it is not very good and is not worth the enonmous price tag unless you happen to like the particular combination of colorations it presents.  If you have nostalgia for the Koetsu sound and want a cartridge with some ability to resolve inner detail, this would be great.

You could ask also why do I drink Diet Coke?  There are many healthy low calorie drinks available, some even with vitamins; but Diet Coke is good enough, and it has a reminiscence of old-time Coca-Cola in the local soda fountain at the lunch counter at Woolworth's from my youth.  Koetsu is the same, I am afraid.  Their cartridges at one time were at the very top -- the very best (remember what else was available when the Rosewood first came out?), but these days there are so many new contenders that do as well or better, the Koetsu cannot compete at all at their price point.  Virtually every new cartridge to come out in the last ten years is just as good; they have fallen very far behind and everyone else has caught up and passed them. 

In my system, I am not overly concerned with trying to extract every last drop of inner detail.  If I were, I would choose the ZYX Universe low-output copper or the Decca London Reference.  I have heard these but I chose not to keep them because I feel that focusing on inner detail is a side track that can lead away from the Sound.

I think, Romy, in your system, there is very little for the Onyx to palliate.  Then I consider the other cartridges you are comparing to the Onyx.  I would guess you find the Koetsu very slightly warm in color and good but not striking in any way.  If you had the old Rosewood Pro IV, you would laugh maybe but have some fun -- like eating a ice cream sundae -- delicious but maybe not for every meal.

Regards,
Adrian

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