OP, @aewarren Yes, when I saw 2SE… I assumed PH2SE.
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
IF you have yet to do so, before moving to another flavor of cart, get serious ( HRS grade ) isolation under both the REF2 / 5 ( i run them both ). Also the both will benefit from NOS GE or Tungsol black plates in the power supply. If you do go the Delos route, put some weight on. I believe you will find J Carr supportive of that, although i am no P10 expert. I also have a Delos. Finally…. another vote for VdH or Dynavector…. Best in music ! Jim |
@tomic601 - I have seen immediate improvements from better isolation for my turntable and subwoofers but have not tried anything under the components. You may be on to something here as I know I am currently running a fabulous cartridge so maybe I need to take a step back and try something different for the next evolution of my system. Appreciate the idea. |
@dhite71 not to discourage you but using a non-Rega cartridges on a Rega table you can’t really predict the cartridge performance due to lack of VTA adjustment. Unless…the replacement cartridge is exactly the same height as a Rega cartridge or you can dial the VTA using either the Rega shims/spacers or thicker or thinner matt. Otherwise the P10 is a great table. I could be overthinking it so take this free advice for what it’s worth… |
- 51 posts total