Hmm, I just read that .5 is good down to 56db so I'm guessing that the XI and the Blue would work now that I'm researching it more carefully. It also depends on the cleanliness of the gain in the preamp and I'm pretty good there. Maybe I'll just give the XI a try since it's so beloved.
Cartridge recommendation around $2k?
I'm ready to invest in a new cartridge having become tired of the quirks of my Decca Super Gold. Previously I've owned a Delos and I'm currently testing out a highly upgraded DL103R. Really like vocals and strings with the DL103 but dynamics and soundstaging are lacking. I listen to all kinds of music, except rock. Lots of jazz and blues but also tons of psych and hip hop/electronica. Soundtracks and Latin music too. Nothing dense though, if that makes sense. The Delos was a good cartridge at it's original release price, less so at $2,000. Arm is a unipivot, VPI Fatboy. Anyone have a somewhat versatile cartridge to recommend?
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I have the Charisma Audio version of the Denon 103. I believe Sound Smith has their own (very similar) version. I find it quite competent with macro-dynamics and slam. Jumping up to 2K, I like both the Air Tight PC7 and EMT TSD 15 and 75. I find the EMT (on my Kuzma arm) to hold the edge over the PC-7 when it comes to dynamics. I think the other poster hit it right on when he mentioned the Lamm likes to see more output. I think 0.6mv to really unleash the Lamm. . Funny I had the Lamm and think it was very good. I kick myself for not trying a higher than 0.3 mv cart on it. Neither my Koetsu or Benz had enough output for the 57.5 db of gain the Lamm offered. Too bad I didn't try a good SUT, which I hadn’t become aware of until years later. |
Try an EMT HSD 006. The EMT cartridge line is IMO underappreciated and a super price performer ($1,600) See the review in the link below. The output is fairly high so it will easily match with your 58 db of gain. Very natural and dynamic https://www.stereophile.com/content/listening-192-koetsu-ortofon-emt-page-2 |
The ultimate Denon 103 upgrade is the Audiomusikraft First Series cartridge/shell. I got the Bronze shell weighing in at 21 gms and its extremely good. Has made it in Stereophile's Class A cartridges for a number of years. I replaced the original103 stylus with a VAS Audio 103R retipped with the boron cantilever and microridge stylus and it sounds spectacular. First time buyers have to buy the shell w/ the cartridge - after that, just replace the cantilever and stylus as it wears out. No need to wait for lengthy retips and relatively cheap compared to performance. I use it w my Kuzma 4P (11) - make sure that your tonearm can handle the weight. I do not see a need to buy expensive cartridges anymore. Link to site below - also check out Stereophile's Recommended Components for the last few years. Bronze (Br) - First Series Cartridges - Audio MusiKraft |
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