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Cart Reccomendation for P5 re: roomate idiocy

Hello All,

I recently posted about how to upgrade my system and got some great responses! Well, I am back again in need of some expert advice. I really don't want to be buying a cart again but am forced too due to the incompetance of my roommate.

Here is the jist of what my situation is right now:

I have had a P1 w/Denon DL-160 cart and was going to swap that over to the P5 that I just acquired today from a great audiogoner!. I just got home and was about to go to work on it. I grabbed the P1 and was about to take the cart off the P1 when I noticed that the stylus was completely bent backward! I tried to bend it in to place but it was to no avail. The worst part is that my roommate won't even fess up to it, mind you he was the only one home all weekend. I can't believe the nerve of some people.

So now I am at a loss. I'm not sure what direction to go from here. One thing I do know is that my roommate will not be using my P5 ever!

My system will consist of the P5, Fisher 400, and Klipsch Forte II speakers. I'm wondering if you guys would have any recommendations of carts to go with? I feel like the Denon was a great sound for the money. I really liked the soundstage it threw out there. I'm tempted to get another one, but am wondering if there is something else out there that would be just as good if not better.

I am thinking I would like to keep my spending to around $500 or so. I only ever listen to rock music for the most part. So I'd love something that would gel with that. I just want something that will make most albums sound nice. I don't need something that will make anything less than an audiophile record sound like garbage. If you guys have any advice on what to do I would so greatly appreciate it.

In the meantime I am going to take a cold shower to keep from strangling my roommate!

Thanks,
-Clipper
theclipper
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I bought a Denon 160 new recently for $100. You might consider getting one of these again or one of the other cheaper ones recommended above and buy a VTA adjuster with the rest of your budget. VPI makes a good one, there are others available. These will permit you to get a lot more out of whatever cartridge you buy now or in the future.
theclipper OP
26 posts
 
I stopped by my local dealer and he really reccomended the Benz Micro Ace (high output version). Do you guys have any thoughts as to if this cart is any better than the Dyna or the AT?

Thanks so much,
-Clipper
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,992 posts
 
IMHO if you liked the sound of the Denon, you'll probably not like the Benz. Two totally different carts. The Benz is mellower and more laid back. The Denon and the AT 150MLX are snappier, quicker and more open. I really like my AT150ML.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Well said, Mofimadness. I didn't have to go through any adjustment period going from the DL160 to the AT150MLX: tonal balance and basic characteristics were similar. The AT150MLX simply gave me much more of everything I already liked, plus a major leap in subtlety and refinement. If the DL160 makes for a good cart/arm match, the AT150MLX probably will be too. Differences in compliance and weight seem to balance each other out.

And consider this: You might be able to remove the stylus whenever you're not using it, preventing your roomie from busting another cantilever. At least you could flip the stylus protector down.

Maybe you need a locking dust cover.
adam18
670 posts
 
Rega Exact 2.......and keep your roomate away.
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