Help with cartridge selection

Dear 93 cobra: The Dlwask Dynavector 17D2 MK2 recomendation is a very good one ( better quality sound that your Shure ).
My advise is for the Dynavector or the Sumiko Blackbird.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

It is important to match the catridge to the phono preamp as well as the table. It may be worth while to call a reputable dealer and ask advice based on table, preamp, speaker, listening preference, astrological sign, etc. If you read the interview in the last issue of hi-fi+ with the owner of van den Hull you may get some food for esoteric thought.

Good luck!

93cobra - what sort of music do you listen to and what do you like when you know you're hearing really good sound?

The Dyanvector 17D2 is a fantastic cartridge although it leans towards detail and precision rather than impact and excitement. Some owners have commented on its lack of bass energy/impact.

The best cart recommendation for you depends on whether you want smooth, detailed or slam!

4yanx is correct on the Shure. The Shure V15 (whatever it's nomenclature is now) and Denon 103 series represent the best "values" in lower price phono cartridges IMO.

You really have to know what you are doing. A lot depends on your arm and your preamp stage. Some cartridges are too light and don't balance well in some arms, and more importantly some are too heavy. The counterweight should be as close to the pivot as possible. Some cartridges need the arm to be raised, some arms cannot be raised enough to accomodate the tall profile, whereas some are very short. Shimming is not a good thing - resonances almost always happen. Preamps that advertise they can accomodate low output cartridges may also contribute noise and other junk that you don't want. I found that a higher output cartridge of lesser quality sounds better than a "better" cartridge with a lower output which makes the preamp work harder.