If you are looking for a warmer sound, I'd recommend a Benz Wood SL. I'm using a Dynavector XX-2 mk II with my Scoutmaster, and while I agree with others here that it is not bright, it is also not as warm or musical as a wood body Benz. The Dynavector won't help to hide the brightness of your Focal speakers, the Benz will help to do this better.
New cart for under 1K
I am looking to buy a new cartrdige for my setup. My current system consists of a VPI Scout II with a Black Knight platter and 10.5SE tonearm (the TT Michael Fremer demonstrated a cartridge setup at last years show in NYC), JM Focal 936's, Mac solid state power & pre, and a Dynavector P-75 phono pre-amp. The Focal's are very accurate and tend to be bright in the highs. Brightness is what I am trying to avoid. I've found the highs to be too harsh for my liking, especially with vocals. Sibilance is also an issue and something I have attempted to control with speaker placement, VTA, damping fluid, and the tone controls on my old Mac preamp. My current cart is a Grado Gold. I am hopeful that upgrading to a new cartridge helps eliminate some of the treble harshness and provides a sweeter overall sound. I'm interested in the Dynavector 20x2 so far. Any other suggestions for 1K or under, Benz, Ortofon, Sumiko (Blackbird, a little over 1K, but what the hell)?
Thanks for you assistance!
Thanks for you assistance!
Showing 5 responses by jmcgrogan2
I have also owned a Sumiko Blackbird, and while I do agree with Wntemute2 that the cartridge itself exhibits no upper end harshness, like the Dynavector, the Blackbird will also not mask the brightness that your Focal speakers exhibit. Neither the Blackbird or the Dynavector will roll off the high's to make your Focals easier on the ears. You would be looking for a wood body Benz or a Koetsu to accomplish this task. The Koetsu is probably out of your price range, unless you consider used. |
I have owned the Dynavector XV-1s, XX-2 mk II, and 10X5, I have also listened extensively to the Transfiguration Phoenix and Orpheus L. Both will work well with the right equipment, but sonically, they are quite different. The Transfiguration cartridges are very relaxed and natural sounding, and work extremely well with Jazz, Blues, Female vocals and small, intimate band/club environments. The Dynavector cartridges are more dynamic and powerful sounding, and work extremely well with rock and large scale orchestral recordings, in large halls or arenas. Which you would prefer would depend on the gear you already have, and what type of music you like to listen to. I'm currently running a Dynavector XX-2 mk II, but I was looking for a Phoenix -S at a good price. I finally gave up and 'settled' on the XX-2 mk II, but I have to admit that I am enjoying it quite a bit. Is your system a bit warm and you're looking for a bit of zing? Get the Dynavector. If your system is a tad bright and you are looking for something to tame it a bit, go for the Transfiguration. |
David, as much as I am enjoying my Dynavector XX-2 mk II cartridge, I don't think that it will help to hide your JM speakers brightness. The Dynavector itself is not bright, but it is not rolled off either, if used with bright gear, the brightness will come shining through. I have long been a fan of soft dome speakers, Dynaudio, Verity, ProAc, etc. I learned to avoid metal dome tweeters over 20 years ago. If I were you, I would change speakers first. If you cannot change speakers, I would advise against getting a Dynavector cartridge. To control brightness, you would be better off with a Transfiguration, Koetsu, or wood-bodied Benz cartridge, IMHO. |
David, I don't know what your price range is, but here is a couple of reco's for some sweet sounding speakers that are close enough to NYC for you for a personal demo. Merlin VSM-MXe Verity Audio Parsifal |