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cartridge recommendations

hello all
I,m looking for a new cartridge for my vpi classic, my budged is $2500. I currently have a dynavector 10x5, but the upgrade bug has hit me. The sound smith zephyr MK/II is one i've been considering and also the ortofon cadenza bronze. The rest of my system is a luxman L505U integrated and spendor S8E speakers. I listen to neil young, the dead just to give you an idea of what kind of music interests me. Thanks in advanced, also if you have any other recommendations i would greatly appreciated it.
johnm21
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,478 posts
 
Elinor...my experience with a Gingko platform with my VPI is that it absolutely ruined the sound. VPIs have to be solidly grounded to the center of the earth for best performance.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
I've never heard a Lyra I didn't like, but I think the wood-bodied Grados are
also worthy of consideration. They top out at $3500, but the next one down
is under budget at $1500. They are available in the Reference series with a
4-5 mV output or in the Statement series with an output of 0.5mV due to far
fewer windings.

Reviews of this entire series are quite favorable; they tend to outperform
popular cartridges at their price points. A review of their top line Statement 1
asserted that it was clearly more resolving (while being lush and romantic)
than the much more expensive $5500 Koetsu Orushi Blue.
oilmanmojo
472 posts
 
ZYX airy3 is a good cartridge in that price range. One of the best trackers i have used. Works well for a wide variety of music. I listen to rock, jazz and even a little classical and was never disappointed with my airy. Its my backup now as i just got a UNIverseII.
arsh
367 posts
 
Soundsmith Zephyr Mk II is outstanding.
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