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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
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
Thanks to TWL for his insight and help in my own set up regarding compliance and compatability in my Aries/JMW 10!
palmnell
22 posts
 


Banjofan,

If you are serious enough to spend $1,500 on a cartridge I would suggest that you listen to the item before buying, or at least have the option of sending it back if you don't like it. See www.musicalsurroundings.com

Given the music that you like I would seriously consider the Koetsu Black. I am using one in a system with a modified EAR 834P. It has an output of 0.5 mv, a wonderfully lush and detailed mid-range, very precise bass and a silky smooth high end. It more than hints at its $7,500 sibling, the Onyx
Platinum. You should however change the impedance in the EAR
to 10 ohms for the best performance. It's not difficult to do.

Happy listening,

Mark
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,093 posts
 
Dear Banjofan: I agree with Ljgj, the Celebration is a great cartridge. It is in the same league that cartridges that cost 2-3 times more. It is much better than the Helikon for less money.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
plato801
2 posts
 
I tried my JMW10 with outrigger using a Dynvector Cartridge and it wobbled like crasy playing a 45rpm LP!
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