Kontrapunkt A or B? Or something else?

Posted by: Bob Edwards on 09 July 2003

All--

Well, the Xerxes is up and running well, now powered by a OL DC supply. I've tried three cartridges in it: a Sumiko Blue Point Special, a Goldring Excel, and a AT OC9. Of the three, the OC9 is far and away the best sounding--the BPS is simply dreadful, the Excel is simply confused sounding. However, the OC9 IS a bit on the bright side, and sounds a bit lightweight.

Budget is a bit restricted, so I was thinking of an Ortofon Kontrapunkt A or B and wonder what the differences are from one to the other. Anyone have experience with both? I'm using K boards in either a 32.5 or a 52, so something that works with them is needed.

All suggestions welcomed!

Best,

Bob

[This message was edited by Bob Edwards on WEDNESDAY 09 July 2003 at 18:59.]

Posted on: 09 July 2003 by Naimed-In-NY

Bob,

Haven't heard either Kontrapunkt, although I recall Stereophile reviewed both, maybe about a year or so ago. Don't know if you subscribe or maybe the review is available on the web. Comparable in price and also highly regarded is the Benz Glider, which I have heard and liked, although not on an extended basis (out of my price range at the time).
MBM

Posted on: 09 July 2003 by Joe Petrik

Bob,

The phono boards might be the problem. Have you tried S boards with the OC9? The Ks are more extended, working better with more civilized cartridges like the Troika, but their tinkly top end may not be such a good thing with the overly exuberant OC9.

Joe

Posted on: 10 July 2003 by Frank Abela

The Kontrapunkt output is way higher than a K board is designed to take. The KontrapunktB is an excellent cartridge but I feel it needs a better phono stage than the boards can deliver since it can sound a tad fierce otherwise.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Posted on: 11 July 2003 by NB

Bob,

My Xerxes has returned from Roksan with a Shiraz fitted and with the new Caspian phono stage.

I had hoped to have her up and runniing but Roksan have left the old conectors on the Roksan and she doesn't connect to the Caspian. I was not impressed!

When I finally get to hear her I will let you know how she sounds.

Regards

NB