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Phono cartridge suggestions sought

Hi All,

 I am in the market for a new phono cartridge. I can run up to $1400 but would prefer not to if i can get the performance I want. 

I listen to predominantly Jazz on vinyl, though some rock, folk and classical also gets spun

I recently heard a Hana SL and Rega Apheta at a dealers—different decks, same room and system. Both sounded good although the Apheta was not as heavy sounding and at the same time sounded more “present”. I wasn’t really looking at the Apheta, but it was available to listen to. 

The room is accoustically live with lots of glass and hard surfaces but all sounds good. 

System: Naim Atom, Bryston TT, Parasound JC jr phono stage (so huge loading flexibility and gain up to the 60’s), Totem Acoustics Signature Ones, Transparent cables. Current cart: Denon 103r with 250 hours on it, so it is winding down. 

I have enjoyed the Denon. But wondering about that all elusive “more.”

on paper spec, nobody touches the Grados for channel separation, but not sure how essential a criterion that should be. Especially since I worked hard to tame some RFI from a nearby antenna and the Grados I have heard said are not well-shielded. 

Since my Totems only drop down to 45 Hz, I suppose absolute resolution on the low end could be sacrificed for other sonic goods. 

Ok, hive mind, what do you suggest?
dramatictenor
dramatictenor OP
183 posts
 
@mattmiller, I think you missed my last post—as I did get exactly the cartridge you suggested. I have only listened to two sides but am just back from work finally and am gonna spin some more music. Purcell is on my agenda. I want to hear how it deals with some operatic sopranos and high strings. 
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@dramatictenor.  From your post, you sound quite capable of setting up the cartridge properly.  I just never trusted myself to get it as right as a technician with the requisite equipment to affirm cartridge alignment.  @mattmiller I believe was encouraging you to have the low, not high output version of the 20X2.  Frankly, if I had the phono stage then that I have now, I would have the low output version as well as most vinyl files purport that the low output MC's reproduce more air and fine details.  No regrets though, I listened to Bizet's L'Arlsienne last night and it was just gorgeous with loads of detail and dynamic flow.  

As with all audio components, allow your new cart. to break in.  Please share your experiences with it as it matures.  Happy Listening!
dramatictenor OP
183 posts
 
@hifiman5, I think i wasn’t clear enough. I picked up a lightly used Dynavector from my super awesome dealer, so the cart is already broken in. I also would have preferred the low output, but at half the price of a new one, I figured it was a good way for me to experience the Dynavector sound on my home system. That said, with my 40 watt amp, the extra oomph of the HO might be worth whatever reduced speed it causes. I’d kinda want to compare the carts A/B to see if I can detect a difference at my current level of listening discernment. (I finally picked up a copy of Robert Harley’s book and he does a good job of explaining how to better listen, so hopefully that will help).

I have toggled between 40/50/60 dbl gain and even adjusting spl to the same volume using the decibel app on my phone, I prefer it at the 60 gain setting. Sounds richer. Not why this should be. Anyone have ideas?
dramatictenor OP
183 posts
 
Oh yes, so I listened to Purcell’s the Indian Queen, Herbie Hancock’s and a mono pressing of Clarence Williams. On the Purcell, the new cart seems to have tamed some of the treble glare that was annoying me on the Denon—which remains a really musical cartridge I gotta say. I want to put it to some more high frequency tests in the coming week. 
terry9
2,315 posts
 
Don’t know if this will work for you, but I adjust azimuth by finding an undamaged record which sounds noticeably better on one channel than it does on the other.

Some of the Harmonia Mundi choral selections with strings have this characteristic on my system. Also Maurice Andre’s Bach for Trumpet.

First, adjust visually so that the stylus is as nearly perpendicular to the record surface as possible. Then put on the above record and play a few bars.

Then change the azimuth slightly in one direction, clockwise or counterclockwise, it doesn’t matter. If it sounds worse (difference is more pronounced), return to the original setting and try the other direction. If it sounds better (difference is less), try more of the same. Gradually zero in on a setting in which the channels sound similar.

Take your time. You’ve got hundreds of hours to get it right. Good hunting!
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