VPI Aries 3, 10.5i Arm - Dynavector vs. Koetsu

Thanks John and Franks. I think I'm just going to sit still and keep the Dynavector. I'm not unhappy at all with the sound I get, like you say, on good recordings. I certainly wouldn't want to mess that up.

I've had a Koetsu Rosewood Signature, Lyra Helikon, Benz Ruby 2 and Dynavector 20XL on my VPI table/arm years ago. I agree with Franks, the Dynavector and Lyra mated best with the VPI IMHO. The VPI has a warm, full bodied sound, with the Benz and the Koetsu, the sound was too warm, even a bit lifeless.
Now if you find that some recordings are a tad bright, it could be that the recordings themselves were mastered with the EQ too high in the upper frequencies. This is not as uncommon as one would hope. So, if you want a cartridge that will help you mask bad recordings, yes, a Koetsu/Benz combined with the VPI will certainly do that, make bad recordings enjoyable. However, on the flip side, you'll also be masking good recordings too.

Cheers,
John

Thanks Franks. As I read your response I began to realize how stupid my reply was. What I meant to say is that it sounds like maybe the Koetsu Rosewood Signature might not be a good idea. At least not without your recommendations. I was not very clear in my initial post either. I already have a Dynavector XX2 mkII on my Aries. There have been times on certain recordings where I wonder if things are not just a tad bright. For that reason, when the possibility came up for a trade for this Koetsu, my curiosity became aroused. But the more I read about it the more I become afraid that it's going to be TOO laid back. But thank you very more for following back up with me.

Timztunz, The dynavector's are an excellent match with the JWM arms. I didn't want you to get the impression from my post that their not. VPI even sells them with turntable purchases on their site. The xx2 I'm sure would be an excellent match for your 10.5. You also might want to check out offerings from Lyra. They mate well with the VPI arms. They are cooler more analytical than the dynavector's but that's not a bad thing as VPI turntables tend to be on the warm side.
Good luck in your search.

Thanks Franks. I guess not getting even one response from anyone making the comparison might be a good indication that it might not be a good idea.

I have not heard those specific cart's however I do have a Koetsu jade on JWM 10 on a TNT.
The JWM is not an ideal arm for the Koetsu's as they are low compliance cartridges. That being said the jade sounds pretty darm good on the JWM 10. Ultimatly, I do plan to go to an arm with a higher effective mass.
The dynavector's compliance are at the low end of medium compliance and are a better match for the JWM arms and certainly would be the "safe" choice.
The 10.5i is better match for the koetsu's then the 10 due to it's heavier side weights and increased rigidity.
Ultimatly, the decision should be made based on which cartridge you think sounds best not some mathematical model.

If you decide for the koetsu I would rec. adding the 3gm headshell weight that VPI sells to increase the effective mass of the arm and use no or very little damping oil.(I use none)
Good luck.