In its time--a long while ago--Koetsu Black and Denon DL 103D were considered roughly equal. You can buy a new 103D for $229, which I see as a great bargain. I got a second one, 20 odd years after my first, and enjoy it as much as my Koetsu Rosewood Signature in another system. Email me for how to contact Denon if you're interested.
Bottom Rung Koetsu..
Was thinking of going with a MC cartridge and a dealer recommened a Koetsu Black. (about $1200) The Black is, of course, the bottom of the Koetsu line. Though the price isn't cheap, I have always been a bit leary about bottom of the product-line items in terms of value. Anyone have experience with this cartridge or have comparisons to other similarly priced cartridges? Thanks