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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!
davidlillis
davidlillis OP
27 posts
 
Roscoeiii,

Thanks man! I think I'm going to jump on the XX-2! I'm assuming that it'll be a fine match with my Dynavector P-75, are there any reasons why I should think otherwise? Also, do you know why the cart would get 8 out 10?

Thanks again, I think this may be a rare opportunity.
davidlillis OP
27 posts
 
I am very much hoping the XX-2 controls some of the harshness in the highs and the sibilance. Post cart, speakers are an absolute next purchase!
davidlillis OP
27 posts
 
I received a response from a seller that stated with my phono pre P-75 the Transfiguration Temper Supreme would be an amazing match. He's selling it for $1,300.00 which is above my price range, but is a consideration. I know nothing about this cartridge and was wondering if anyone here could explain the differences between the XX-2 and Transfiguration. The problem with having too many choices is one can never make a choice! Ahh this hobby....
jperry
2,462 posts
 
If you feel you must change cartridges, the Dynavector cartridge will be a great match with your Dynavector phono preamp. Save the money for your speaker upgrade. 1300-700=500 towards speaker upgrade.

I am sticking by my earlier post, which is move to a speaker you really like, then align the rest of your system around the speaker.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
I have no experience with the Transfiguration, but I really liked the XX-2 (Soundsmith rebuild) with the P75. A low impedance cart like the XX-2 is ideal for the PE mode of the P75.

And I'd be sure that you have an idea of the seller's listening preferences as well. Does the seller listen to similar genres? Does the seller prioritize the same sonic characteristics as you do? This of course also applies to anyone giving a recommendation.

Anyway, I am not meaning to suggest that the seller's advice isn't good advice (again, no experience with that cart), but be sure to calibrate a purchase to your preferences not anyone else's. Including mine.
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