Cartridge Recommendations

Bob,

I have both a Denon AU-300 and a Denon AU-320 in my collection. I didn't recommend either because your budget was more than these sell for. The AU-320 will work just fine. I really do think the Bob's Device SUT and/or the Silvercore SUT are better sounding, but are more money. You should be fine.

I bought a Denon AU-320 SUT off of Audiogon for under 300.00 today. After reading everyones opinions, I decided this would be the way to go. The built in output cable also saves me money on yet another cable. I will report back once I have used it in my system for a couple of weeks. I am under the impression that the 40 ohm setting would be best. Any comments pro or con?

Bob

Dynevector 20X H but yes used a super cartridge if you can get one at you price. They were just made for (VPI) and Scouts in particular maybe someone has a demo or something.

Agree with the SUT suggestion (Bob's Devices)if you like the Denon.

The Bob's Devices SUT is a 1:10 stepup. That will stepup your Zu/Denon 103 from .3mv to 3mv. It is listed with 20db of gain, not 10. That should be more than enough. Link is below:

http://www.bobsdevices.com/15095.htm

I would look for a used Silvercore "1 to 10" SUT. They retail for around $650, so a used one should be in your price range.

IMHO, the (2) carts you list above are not as good as what you have.

I use the soundsmith Carmen and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Mike from VPI mentioned using iit on a Scout in a recent post as well. I currently have it on my Classic. .

I am thinking of a Soundsmith Otello or a Dynavector 10 X 5 cartridge. Anyone have experience with either?

Bob's Devices responded to my email. He only has 1 SUT available for under 500.00 and it only offers 10db of gain. It won't be enough for my setup. I would have to run the volume control on the preamp way up near 3 o clock.

The SUT idea is a valid one. It's a pitty the Ortofon M-20 fl super is no longer available on eBay NOS. For $179 this cartridge holds it's own against offerings costing thousands more(I have many LOMCs). If you see one for sale, don't hesitate. It's a MI and I would think it would work great with the 9" VPI arm. William Thakker does still have the NOS replacement styli on eBay. I just bought two so I can use this cartridge for years to come. Provided you could find a cartridge, for your $500 budget you could easily buy the cartridge and a couple replacement styli and be set for years and probably have enough left for some great vinyl.

price range. I have the 2M Black and love it with the Sutherland Hubble. It has lots of detail.

I have the entry level SoundSmith MI cart that I never got around to selling. Add @gmail.com to my user name and shoot me an e-mail if you are interested.

I second the SUT suggestion. The Zu Denon 103R I have is crazy good. I say keep the Zu 103. By the way, I also have a Dynavector XX2MKII (a $1900 cartridge), and the 103R ate it for lunch.

I agree with the SUT.

Dynavector 10X5.

Why not just add a SUT to your current setup? Bob's Devices or a Silvercore are around $500 or so. I also have a Zu Audio/Denon 103 on one of my tables and that's what I would do. I really like mine also.