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Cartridge Recommendation

Hi Guys
I need advice on a cartridge recommendation for the following set up. 
Table is a Clear Audio Performance DC with a Clarify Tonearm. Phono is a Avid Pellar. I am currently using the High Output Virtuso V2 that came with the package. I am looking for a low output cartridge in the $1000-1500 budget. I have also used a Dynavector Karat D17 with this table and loved it though I had trouble setting this cart because I feel it was a bit light for the tonearm (compliance?). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 
I am looking for tight bass response and mids. 
srafi
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
srafi ...

In your price range, the Audio Technica ART-9 is the obvious choice.  Its a wonderful cartridge, tonally correct, it makes nothing but music and never calls attention to itself.  Here's a link to a thread here on A'gon.  

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/audio-technica-at-art9-phono-cartridge

Here's where to buy the cartridge.

http://www.lptunes.com/Audio-technica-AT-ART9-MC-phono-cartridge-p/atart09.htm

Frank
meadowman's avatar
meadowman
140 posts
 
Soundsmith Zephyr Mimc.  I had a dynavector karat on my table for almost 5 years and the zephyr absolutely took over the music and made me very very happy.
srafi OP
17 posts
 
Thanks everyone. So its between the AT ART9 and the Dynavector XX2. The Soundsmith is not in contention as its not available to me. I will update once I have bought and played. 
mb1audio
151 posts
 
" Thanks everyone. So its between the AT ART9 and the Dynavector XX2. The Soundsmith is not in contention as its not available to me. I will update once I have bought and played."

If you live in the US, why not give Cable Company a call? They have a big selection of phono carts, including Soundsmith. No reason to take a chance if you don't have to.



dodgealum
1,402 posts
 
srafi:

So I've run both the XX2MKII and the ART9 in my VPI Scout. The bad news is that I had an OC9MLII in between and made a few system changes as well so I cannot report on a direct comparison. What I can say is that the XX2MKII was a nice cartridge for sure but I did not have the same reaction to it upon installation as I did the ART9 which really stopped me in my tracks and continues to inspire. FWIW, I would pick the ART9 in an instant, particularly at its price relative to the Dyna.
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