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VPI Cartridge People: What next?

OK, vinyl troopers, so it's getting to be time for a new cartridge, at least pretty soon.  My Dynavector XX-2 MkII has served me faithfully and is likely headed for replacement in the months ahead, so where do I go now?  I've previously moved up from Dynavector Karat to the XX-2 MkII, and that brought nice improvement, but what next?  System page is listed, but in short I'm a 99% analog only guy with VPI 10.5 arm > VPI Aries turntable > McIntosh C2300 tube MC phono.  This rig sits on a Gingko Cloud stand and heavyweight Bright Star rack. 

Trouble is, good cartridges are obviously very expensive and tough to demo.  My goal: I'm looking for the ultimate VPI-arm compatible cartridge for use with this rig. Move up in the Dynavector line? Stay put with XX-2 MkII?  Lyra cartridges have good reviews and sound tempting.  Soundsmith?  Koetsu?  Can I do make a meaningful improvement over the Dyna XX-2 MkII for less than $3K?  Listen mainly to all kinds of music and value soundstaging and image depth. Leaning slightly more Romantic than Analytical/HiFi in my audio tastes.

Have I reached the end of the line using VPI Aries with VPI 10.5 Classic 3 arm as a platform? Bring me the truth based on solid experience, folks!

Your wisdom and experiences are much appreciated in advance.  Thanks!
128x128goheelz
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
Since I started using the AT-ART-9, I've stopped shopping for cartridges. For under 1100 bucks, its an audiophile bargain. 

See the thread in this forum that talks about the ART-9 at length. 
wlutke
733 posts
 
I have also gone from the XX-2 MKII to the Cadenza Bronze.  I like both carts for different reasons.  The DV sounds amazing on the right record and generally does a much better job on live recordings.  The Ortofon never reaches the ultimate heights the DV can reach, but makes many more records enjoyable than the DV does.  Having both makes me want a second arm on my TT.

tablejockey
3,954 posts
 
If I had your table, I would drop a 3D arm along with what another poster suggested, Audio Technica ART9. The ART 7  as well, if you have plenty of gain to work with. I’m enjoying my VPI classic/ART9.
The thread on the ART has a few fans who have used super carts and seem to
agree it competes with them for half to cost.
If I were doing just the cart, I would also consider the Kiseki Blue/Black. I liked what I’ve heard with these carts on VPI rigs.

The 3D arm/cart combo would be the end for me-until I could afford the VPI Avenger/DD.

bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
I own a VPI Classic "2.7" (Classic 1/2 plinth with Classic 3 stainless steel tonearm and base).  I've been there and done it with a number of other cartridge brands and settled on the Lyra Kleos. 
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,406 posts
 
I'll echo what a few have posted--if you are happy with the XX2 why make a change? Unless mistreated that cartridge should give you many years of service. If you are looking for a change what sonic attributes are you seeking? That may help guide the contributions. That said, I recently installed an ART 9 in my Scout and am quite shocked at the performance of this cartridge. I've run four different Dynas (20XH, 20XM, 20XL and XX2MkII) each was fine in their own way and a good match for the JMW9. More recently I ran an AT OC9MLII which was surprisingly good for the money--better, in my view, than all the Dyna's but perhaps the XX2MkII and also well suited to your arm. The ART 9 is remarkably refined and even handed, very neutral, spacious and dynamic. More than any of the other cartridges it just sings without imparting any signature of its own. An extraordinary buy and certainly worth your consideration should you wish to replace the XXIIMkII. Best with your search!
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