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Which cartrige would you go with?

I recently sent my BAT vkp-5 back to the factory for BAT`s six pack upgrade, BAT say`s it will sound like a vkp-10 without the step up transformer. Anyway while waiting for it to come back I`ve been thinking of a new cartridge here`s my list of contenders ZYX 1000/ Lyra Helikon/ Shelter 901.This is my current rig VPI TNT JR/ SME 309/ BENZ Ruby H/ ZU cable xaus din to xlr/ vkp-5 with six pack upgrades. So which one would you put on it,any sugestions. David
Here`s
cylinderking_1
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
You probably can't go wrong with any of those 3 choices. I also have a BAT VK-P5 w/ $1200 worth of mods from Great Northern Sound. I'd be interested in hearing your impressions on the six pack upgrade. I'm currently using a Helikon on my VPI HW-19 mk IV w/ SAMA table and JMW 10.5 arm. I also have the SDS. I'm very pleased with the sound of the Helikon, very detailed, yet non-fatiguing. I have heard the other cartridges, and they did sound very good also, but I haven't heard them in my system. Like I said before, I don't think you can make a bad choice out of these 3 cartridges.

Regards,
John
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
I like the pics on your system. Looks great. Anyway, I've had a vkp5, then vkp10, now a vkp10se. The lyra cartridges are a great match. I've used the Lydian Beta and now a Helikon. I don't have experience with your other choices...

I didn't realize Great Northern Mod'ed bat gear. I've liked all 3 BAT phono stages I've had, however the p5 and p10se are the best for the money. You're not missing anything w/o the p10 stepup. It's best run direct. Do upgrade tubes, especially the middle two input tubes. Matching is critical...
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
I have looked at some of these cartridges lately. I have a Benz Glider, but I would like to upgrade. My choice when the time comes has been narrowed to the Shelter 901. The Lyra is really a top performer, but for the money the Shelter is a real steal. It offers most if not all the performance for less money.

That's just what I plan to do. I realize our TTs are different, but I don't know how much difference that would make in the recommmendation.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
I've only heard the Shelter so the following is theoretical.

The Helikon has been called cool by some. The ZYX and Shelter receive nothing but lavish praise. People who've heard both in the same system say they're equally good with only very subtle differences. The 901 is far less costly, why pay more?

With little ability to audition cartridges at this level, the above argument is what led me to choose the 901. FWIW, we're immensely pleased. No temptation whatsoever to try anything different.
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