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
berlinta
104 posts
 
Hi Chris,
Thanks for your kind words(previous post). Fwiw, the No.2 arm is also available with a Pertinax(resin impregnated paper) based, three layer CLD armwand. Looks more like wood and has none of the carbon fiber sonic fingerprint.

A great weekend to this bunch,

Frank
letch
111 posts
 
Artar? Come back here buddy! You can't taunt me with your purchase then not fess up to what it is! Come on man!

Frank,

I was wondering what the sonic differences between the two materials would be? I am very interested in the Model 2. I had read that it might be better on rock music which is 85% of what I listen to. Would one or other of the materials sound better in this context?

Thanks,
Chris
artar1 OP
159 posts
 
Hey Chris,

I'm here. I wanted to make sure the purchase went through before blabbing about it on the net. I will write more.

Enjoy.
berlinta
104 posts
 
Hello Chris,
The difference between the armwands - both are CLD, the old one with carbon fiber on the outside, the newer on features Pertinax as the outer "shell" - is directly attributable to the much better inherent damping of Pertinax and the fact that eddycurrent losses(result of wiring running in close proximity to the conductive armwand) have been nearly eliminated. In the newer version, the inner layer consists of a fairly thick walled, small inner diameter teflon tube(dielectric constant close to that of air...).
The slightly "lively" character of the carbon fiber arm tube might suit some tastes or systems better but I´d still say it´s a resonance artefact that I can do without. As usual, ymmv ;-)

Cheers,

Frank
artar1 OP
159 posts
 
Thomas Scheu has died ! What tragic news!

I was shocked to learn of this very sad event. I send my best wishes and condolences to Scheu's family and friends. He will be missed.
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