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New cartridge selection: help wanted

OK heading towards finish line with TT system upgrade for my secondary rig.  Having trouble deciding on the cartridge.

So far:  

Table: Feickert Volare
Arm: Audiomods Series 6

Cartridges I'm considering:

Hana ML or SL
Audio Technica AT0C9MXL or ART-9Xi
Lyra Delos
Dynavector XX-2

Rest of system:

EAT Petit phono stage, Classe DR5 linestage, Pass XA25 amp, Joseph Audio Pulsar 2.

The cost spread on the above options is roughly $500 to $2000, the latter is my limit for this set up.

Leaning towards the Delos, which has been offered at a nice discount.  But I'm a little concerned that it may sound a little lean into what is a quite high resolution system.  I love the dynamics and detail of the Lyra otherwise.

Have never listened to the Dynavector or Audio Technica's.  I have a Hana EL, which is very nice for the cost, but loses a lot of detail compared to the Lyra.

Anyone with experience that can advise?
bobbydd
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
12,848 posts
 
Dear @bobbydd :  With out doubt the best of your list is the Audio Technica ART 9 but not the X1 but the XA.

Now, if you can stretch a little your budget the road to go is the Hana Umami Red that no one of the cartridges named in the thread can " touch  "  it.

Reghards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
bobbydd OP
91 posts
 
Appreciate the input so far.

Reminder: my budget is limited to $2K.

Unami Red is double - so no go.

I'm leaning toward one of the Audio Technica models versus the Lyra.  Want detail but tonal accuracy as well.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,227 posts
 
The Delos. 
dover
2,187 posts
 
I would suggest buying a Goldring MC ( excellent value for money ) that matches the Audiomods very well ( I put that combo on a Platine Verdier I sold ) or  Audiotechnica ATM33Ptg and put the extra money to a new phono stage.
I have a friend who has the EAT Petit - there are far better phono stages for not a lot more.

yeti42's avatar
yeti42
287 posts
 
If you’re worried about a lean sound consider an SPU Royal N for something full bodied. The arm looks to have options with a high enough effective mass. The cartridge is a natural for classical music but can rock if care is taken in setting it up, pay attention to the tightness of the armplate mounting bolt and counterweight locking screw, just enough to hold it, which is not very much at all was key on a Schröder arm, too tight and it sounds too laid back.
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