Newbie needs some cart advice for a SME V/Dyn P75


I have just recently taken the leap into vinyl. I scoured the forums for a good solid intro phono pre to get my feet wet, and I chose the Dynavector P-75 as my starter phono. I purchased a Gyrodec with the Orbe platter upgrade, a SME V arm and it did come with a Koetsu Black which I believe is in need of retip/rebuild.

I am looking at the possibility of using the Koetsu as a trade-in and I was thinking about Shelter 501 MK II, or a Dynavector Karat 17D2. What would be some other solid performers in the under 1k category?

I like my music with PRaT, tight snappy bass, warm side of neutral. I will take a hit in uber detail for the above characteristics. I detest sizzling highs. Otherwise, I'm willing to experiment!

I listen mainly to jazz and electronica (trance, house, ambient, drone).

Thanks in advance!
zanth
Dear Zanth: You can't be better than with the Sumiko Celebration ( around 1K in the second hand market or 1.5K at retail price ) ), this is a top performer cartridge ( the bargain's century ) that in the SME V ( the perfect match ) outperforms not only your two choices but many cartridges in the 3k price range.

Btw, the " voicing " during the design/tests process for the manufacturer of the Celebration was using the: SME V, you can't ask for more.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Thanks a lot Raul, I love your posts and your solid advice. I will look into this Sumiko Celebration and see if I can find one at a good price.
I use the 501 with the P-75 in "current mode".I was surprised at the performance,seeing that I have had in-house,cartridges and phono sections costing over 10K.I may even be able to help on pricing. Tom
Zanth - the SME arm is quite dry and analytical and often benefits from a warmer cartridge like the Koetsu.

The Koetsu Black is a classic - I've owned one for the last 20 years and I would recommend that you get it checked out and re-tipped if necessary and then live with it.

Some say the Koetsu is slightly bass light, however allied to a SME I would expect it to sound great.

Some refer to the Shelter 501 as a poor man's Koetsu so I wouldn't view that as an upgrade. The Koetsu gives warm side of neutral. You'll struggle to get tight snappy bass with a SME whatever cart you use - it's been described as "plummy"

I think the Dyna carts are a good fit with the SME arm - the 17D2 has stunning responsiveness and in the SME will sound quite tight in the bass.

Cutting to the chase, try the Koetsu Black re-tipped (if you don't like it it's worth far more re-tipped than in need of re-tipping), if that doesn't float your boat try the 17D2 (they're available really cheap off-shore).

I can give you a great contact in Switzerland who re-tips Koetsus at affordable rates - contact me off list if you want the contact.

Disclaimer - no connection other than as satisfied customer.