i support the idea of koetsu black or higher benz and also, don't rule out a better dynavector... they are superb...
Cartridge Advice Please
I would love to hear from others that have traveled the same or a similar path.
My system is the previous Gen of Audio Research REF gear with the 75SE amp, 5SE preamp and 2SE phonostage with the Rega P10 playing Wilson Sophia 1. I listen to a lot of rock, R&B, blues, jazz, folk
My previous cartridge of about 2 years was a Benz Micro Wood SM. I got it new and loved it from the first record. My current cartridge is the Kiseki Purple Heart which I love even more and also have loved from the beginning. I got is used with about 200 hours, lol. So many people listen for 200 hours and then sell. I am fine with used but have always found that 150-200 hour statistic funny.
It has been about 9 months and I am happy with every other aspect of my system so would like to experiment with a new cartridge. Here are the ones that didn't work
SoundSmith Sussuro MkII ES - I liked it but with a 0.4mV rating it required my 5SE volume to be around 20 higher than the Purple Heart rated at 0.48mV. That makes no sense and it caused a buzz to be audible from my speakers between albums/tracks when listening at moderately loud volumes. Mr. Peter said there was nothing wrong with it and felt no need for me to send it in so I sold it.
Rega Aphelion 2 - This came used on my P10 and my mind was set on selling to justify the P10 upgrade so not sure I gave it the best chance but it sounded bright to me.
Rega Apheta 3 - Same deal as above, came on my previous RP10 and also sounded bright.
My initial thoughts are:
Koetsu
Lyra
Higher level Benz
Ortofon
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- 51 posts total
Audio Technica ART9 fan here. Also have heard the Rega P10 Apheta setup, which I liked. Your setup unquestionably is up to the task to make any table/cart sound great. If I had a P10 and was looking for a change, I'd try the recent addition to the ART series-ART20. It's between the ART9 and the TOTL ART1000. I don't know if I'd ever consider the ART1000 for a P10, since there isn't true adjustability which it deserves. This review uses a P10 with the ART20 |
If you can listen to a MY Sonic Lab Signature Gold or the Hyper Eminent EX https://www.suncoastaudio.com/collections/my-sonic-lab/products/my-sonic-lab-signature-gold A higher level Benz is also a good option |
- 51 posts total