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Best Cartridge for VPI Aries orig + JMW 10.5 ?

I have a VPI Aries (original version) and JMW 10.5. They feed an EAR 834p phono stage, mccormack map-1 preamp, rotel 1095 amp, and vienna acoustics beethoven speakers (which are a bit "warm" sounding). I listen to mostly bluegrass, followed by classic rock and jazz. What is the best choice of cartridge at $1500 or less? (any views on the Sumiko Celebration in this set up?) Any thoughts welcomed as I am a bit new at this. (ps. will one day move to all tubes, but likely a few years off).
banjofan
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Banjofan, I also have Vienna Acoustics speakers (Strauss). I can't claim to have heard the Celebration, so I cannot directly compare. I have compared my current favorite, the Helikon, to the Benz Ruby 2 and the Cardas Heart. The Helikon provides more detail, while not being over-analytical. The Benz and the Cardas were a tad bit warm for my VA speakers. I also have a VPI table with JMW 10.5 arm. Try doing a search on the Celebration here and at AA. There isn't much information out there on it, I don't know why. FWIW, I don't think you can go wrong with the Helikon.

Regards,
John
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
287 posts
 
Get the Helikon
Thanks again TWL for your candid and informative post on this subject once again.
The next question is, TWL what combo is better the silver/shelter 501 or
The JMW 10.5/Helikon
Thanks
banjofan OP
17 posts
 
Is the Helikon or Helikon SL better with EAR 834P (fixed at 47k)?
banjofan OP
17 posts
 
EAR gain is 68db for mc. Is that enough for helikon sl?
banjofan OP
17 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the input. Its looking like a medium output Helikon (to save money over the SL) with the Aries/jmw10.5/ear834p combo is now the leading contender based on what I've heard here.
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