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Cartridge Selection

Hello,

I am the happy owner of a VPI Classic Signature, connected to McIntosh phono preamp (both MM and MC with adjustable capacitance and resistance), preamp and amplifier (preamp is tube, phono preamp and amp are solid state). Speakers are B&W 805 D3. This analog part of my system is used exclusively for listening to jazz.

Presently, I have a Hana SH mounted on the VPI Classic. I like the sound very much, but am thinking I can get more out of my system with a cartridge upgrade. I am considering the Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star, Lyra Delos, or Benz Micro Wood SL. Trying to keep the cost to around $2K or less.

I would greatly appreciate any insight from the group.

Thanks.

GAR
gareents
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,490 posts
 
BTW, if you are using a uni-pivot arm, have you tried the dual pivot upgrade? If not, I'd recommend getting that first.
gareents OP
74 posts
 
@slaw 

Yes, I do have the dual pivot installed.
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,490 posts
 
@gareents,

Do you also have the HRX pulley?
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,490 posts
 
With the HRX pulley, you'll need to have a SDS or ADS. The added benefit is, going from one belt to two is a BIG upgrade. I'm running three, but the largest improvement is going to two belts

What I'm saying is, before upgrading carts, improve your TT as much as possible..
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
I have a friend who put a Soundsmith, not sure which one on an old Thorens TD 125 and it hummed like crazy not to mention that the arm was too heavy for it. He returned to an Ortofon SPU. 
Different cartridges have different sounds so you have to know what you like. I could give a hoot about stylus replacement. I have never replaced a stylus as I always want to try the next best thing. The single most important spec is the cartridges tracking ability next is the compliance. The biggest mistake you can make is getting a cartridge that is too soft for your arm as it is hard to make an arm much lighter. Too stiff and you can always add some weight. I always shoot for vertical and lateral resonance between 8 and 10. I think you get the best bass and dynamics here. I have never seen record warps go up that high.
Cartridges are like Tube VS SS electronics. Koetsus are decidedly on the Tube end of the Spectrum as are Airtight and the now defunct Transfiguration. Ortofons and Clearaudios lean SS. Grados and Lyras in the middle. I have not hear an Epoch yet. I have never had a Soundsmith or any other cartridge I have not mentioned in my system so I can not comment. With a SS phono amp I  like Grados (which can track anything) and Lyras. With tube phone amps I like Ortofons and Clearaudios. Currently I use a Clearaudio Da Vinci with and ARC phonoamp. Fabulous combination. I have a Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum, an Airtight Supreme and an Ortofon Windfeld Ti in reserve. The Windfeld Ti is also a cartridge that can track anything. It is a great cartridge for Rock. I have my eyes on a Lyra Atlas low output. I had a friend's in my system and it was wonderful. My audio savings account isn't up to it yet. 
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