Synergy

" I always roll phono stages / arms / etc when trying to optimally match a new cartridge.. "

Certainly I understand try to match the tonearm/cartridge combinations and even a SUT ( I did it in the past till I found out the top Denon SUT that I changed only when the cartridge need it higher gain. ) but to change electronics ( as in this case the phono stage ) just to match the cartridge let me to ask: why? .

@rauliruegas Why not? It boils down to the very topic of this thread: synergy. Every phono stage I’ve used has its own distinct sonic signature & nuances. I still keep many on hand. They’re useful for a different perspective, an occasional change of pace, or a better match to certain cartridges. It’s not just "match warm with bright" either - it’s sometimes more complex and unpredictable than that (though not always). Multiply this by the complexity of matching SUTs or MC pre-preamps - and you have the countless possibilities worthy of an enjoyable hobby :)

Of course I still have favorites. Audio Research Reference 3SE’s Low Gain mode (paired with SUT) was stunning. VAC Renaissance SE (also with outboard SUT) has been my longtime reference. Herron VTPH-2A (also with SUT - see the pattern?) pairs super well to my Koetsu Blue Lace, but had me running out the room with Windfeld Ti. And Hagerman Trumpet Reference has a warm open sound, vaguely tape-like, that I quite enjoy. Now I also have the new Hagerman Piccolo Zero to experiment with current injection!

Folks on this forum will discuss cable rolling without batting an eye. I can assure anyone the changes from swapping phono stage are orders of magnitude more significant.

It is not possible for myself to recommend a Cart' to add to a list, as I don't have a broad experience of Cart's used in domestic systems and residences, most are heard from the period when I attended commercial events and many of these are obsolete.

To help reign in the traits of the 20/20 that are known for being very revealing, and options that should not require too much monies look at the following:

1, The 20/20 Phono Pre' has load setting adjustment, speak to the producer and let them to suggest a setting to assist with High Frequency Roll Off, this might be all that is required.

2, I have had great success with 5mm Forex Foam used as a Platter Mat, this material in this thickness has kept all the wanted intricate detail from the recording, but added a Rich Tone at the expense of the Upper Frequencies. I am yet to meet anybody who experienced the 5mm in use across a variety of TT's, who are not impressed with the performance and bang for buck element. I got a batch of Forex Foam in 3mm and 5mm for approx' $30ish. I have been quite tempted to try this in 8mm as a result of the substantial jump in impression made between 3mm-5mm. 

3, A Signal Wire in a Cable produced with D.U.C.C Wire, has shown a Rich Tone in all the systems I have loaned such a Cable type to, a careful search could get a 6N Purity for $70 - $100+. 

4, A SUT 'will' add a Rich Tone at the expense of the highest frequencies and certain brands can Roll of the Highs very noticeably to make way for having a very weighty loose bass presence, a SUT loan would be the best practice for this method.         

Dear @rvpiano  : 13 years ago all the Clearaudio MM cartridges were made by Audio Technica and the Virtuoso ( that I owned ) cartridge motor was the humble one by the AT 95 and improved under Clearaudio needs.

This was my review of the Virtuoso:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-clearaudio-virtuoso-wood-cartridge

Maybe what you need is to match ( as mulveling said. ) with a different tonearm the other alternative is that you need a really accurated set up especially in the VTA because the Virtuoso is extremely sensitive to minute VTA changes.

The other issue is that the retip was made by SoundSmith and maybe with ruby cantilever and this kind of material is not very good on that place where even hardened aluminum is a superior choice.

Before you spend more money try some cartridge set up modifications not only VTA but vtf and azymuth too and try to mantain clean the stylus tip and obviously your LPs.

R.

Roll em IF ya got em. You should check out the muscular Kuzma… seems to work well in my systems….

@rvpiano You might like the Benz wood bodies….

@pindac @rauliruegas @tomic601

Thanks so much for your suggestions.

i think I might  have been a little premature in my evaluation.  Most things really sound good.  Maybe being too compulsive!