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Second Cartridge With Transfiguration Phoenix

I use Phoenix with Graham Phantom tonearm over Acoustic Solid Royal TT (ARC Ref 2 SE phono stage). I really like what I hear bur decided to get a second cartridge with a second tonearm (will be Graham Phantom II Supreme) on the second tonearm plate with my TT. I am currently considering from a list of Shelter Harmony, Koetsu Onyx or Azule Platinum, Airtight PC-1 Supreme, Ortofon PW. My listening preferences are neutral, organic sound with a deep and wide soundstage, I do not prefer a specific bandwith dominating the test, I like details without sacrificing musicality as one can get why I like Phoenix. Of course one may either find a cartridge having similar sonic clothing with Phoenix while improving its virtues or alternatively can try to find a very different sound as complementing a neutral sounding cartridge like Phoenix, which I am not decided what to do. I will appreciate from current users or ones who have experience with those cartridges and if they were able to listen to some of them with the same setup. Thanks for your help.
number95
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rauliruegas
13,066 posts
 
Dear Number95: ++++ " I will order second Graham with IC-70 phono cable to compare all of the cartridges equally. " +++++

just an additional thought: what if for example you test the Transparent MM2 and outperforms ( with the same cartridge ) the IC 70? is it not a better alternative and in some ways what you are looking for when asked about?
Yes, if that happen you need to invest not in one IC but two IC cables and this means a higher investment.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
number95 OP
44 posts
 
Hi Raul, your logic is undeniable, will get a phono cable from Transparent to test. Many thanks.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Raul, higher investments don't seem to be a problem for Number95! ;-)
number95 OP
44 posts
 
Raul, higher investments don't seem to be a problem for Number95! ;-)

Well yes and no. Yes I can afford buying a second tonearm, two more cartridges as well as a more expensive phono cable. But, I want to be sure I am not wasting my hard earned cash for nothing or garbage. As you can realize, I have not bought any cartridges since 2008 (Orpheus) and currently use Phoenix (bought in 2007), so I am not kind of a guy who continiously swapping gear for sake of change.

I plan to keep the new cartridge(s) as a long term investment. Hope this does not be a famous last words story ;-)
number95 OP
44 posts
 
Update: I bought Dr Feikhert protractor as well as its Adjust+ software and realigned Orpheus, this time it has performed much better (way above Phonenix) so Phoenix became the back up cartridge. Then came Transparent Ref MM phono (din to rca) cable which did a big improvement over Graham IC-70, the difference is almost night and day. I also bought Miyajima Kansui as second cartridge and wait for second Graham Phantom to be delivered (pity I will need a second Transparent Ref MM phono with that). Funny it is, I ordered Kansui without even hearing one, then had a chance to listen to it at a friend's setup (also compared that to Phasemation PP1000) and really liked it.
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