2. analog
  3. 1096922170

$800 Cartridge Shootout and Upgrade Path


I am putting together an analog system, starting with the cartridge. I like a well-balanced sound with a slightly lush midrange and excellent extension at the frequency extremes. The cartridge should be a reasonably good tracker. Here are my choices:

1. Dynavector Karat 17D MkII
2. Shelter 501
3. Sumiko Black Bird
4. Grado Statement Master
5. Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood

Which one comes closest to my wish list? Which one would you choose?

Here are the upgrade cartridges to the above list, one of which would be purchased later:

1. Shelter 901
2. Benz Micro L2
3. Grado Statement Reference
4. Koetsu Black

Which one comes closest to my wish list? Which one would you choose?

Now, which turntable/tonearm combination (for new equipment up to $4,500) would you choose to handle a cartridge from the first group and the upgrade cartridge from the second group?

Any help you can provide is greatly welcomed. Thanks!
artar1
twl
3,251 posts
 
Regarding the SS vs Tubes debate, this is a never ending argument. There are pros and cons to each technology, and ultimately it depends on individual preference.

I happen to prefer the(apparently horrific combination) of Single-Ended Triode ZOTL in my system, and it absolutely destroys(musically) any SS amp that I have ever heard in my 30+ years of audio experience. And all my SS systems were carefully matched and optimized, just as I do with my tube systems.

Technically, for every argument made against tubes, there is an equally valid argument that can be made against SS. It is nothing more than a "pissing contest", and is best not engaged in, unless you just want aggravation.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,101 posts
 
Dear Artar1: I agree with your first part of your answer, and I agree, too, that any signal that is transmitted, no matter how is amplified: the signal is changed. What I'm, saying is that we have to take care for that that signal suffer the less degradation: that's all.
I respect your 30-plus years in audio and if you like to start to live in the mistake: it's ok.
Perhaps you, like many others audiophiles, don't want to continue growing up. I understand: it is a hard task.
No, I don't have any agenda, I only give an answer to Rushton. Don't be angry for that.
I read that you want to bi-amp your ML speakers ( I know very well this ML model ) with SS and tubes electronics, maybe your common sense tell that you can do it ( btw, you can do it ), but this blend will be a big mistake. Why don't use Levinson electronics ?
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,101 posts
 
Dear Twl: I respect your 30+ years of audio experience.
Lowther and SS are not the best blend. When was the last time that you test SS electronics in your system " were carefully matched and optimized " ? Which was that audio system ?
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Moreover, it has been my experience that when passive preamps have been used (or no preamp at all) and the most simple, but elegant solid state circuits have been employed, the sound that has resulted has been the most amusical I have ever heard in my 30-plus years in audio.

...to leave the "glowing bottles" behind to embrace the cold, unvarnished realty of solid state.

The Psychic says,

High end is who you are, not what you buy.


My system is passive preamp based, 100% solid state and it's incredibly musical, even without using my classic Marantz Esotec monoblocks. I use a direct drive TT and a belt drive CD transport--both heavily modded. This system is designed to run off a single 30 amp, 220V dedicated line feeding 220V/110V stepdown isolation transformer/filters. Sorry, but reality had to step in.

With psychic power and primal intensity,
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Raoul, you need an audio buddy in Mexico. I did refer you to Club Prestige to get a *girlfriend* but you seem to ignore my suggestion. Too bad. I wish I could go to Club Prestige. I would even buy you a lap dance! Tubes or solid state?

Remember the solid state has *silicon*...
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