The Clearaudio V-Wood was the only cartridge I've yet to try that I can say that I hated. To me it was shrill on top and just not particularly good anywhere. In comparison, a cheaper Dyn dv20xh sounded very very nice on my system as does shelter 901 & the Lyra Helicon. Youst my opinion, system is Vpi Aries 2 with JMW 10.
Anyone using the Clear Audio Virtuoso Wood?
Anyone used a really high end moving magnet? I hear they can be compressed or mushy even with the extra fine cut of the needle and well-made magnets. I also hear MM's are overall better rockers. My experience is all my selections, listed below, are pretty good, but I would really like a contrarian point of view, e.g. not just the normal, "All moving coils are better than moving magnets," line. I agree, in theory, but in the real world I wonder if it always works that way.
The carts I have in mind are all about $800.: the Shelter 501 (an MC), the Dynavector XX-2 (an MC) (purchased from the gray market at $800.), Lyra Argo or Dorian (again MC's) or the Clear Audio Virtuoso (a MM). My system has pretty good microdynamics, but they could be better; maybe 5 out of 10. The macrodynamics are more like 7 out of 10. All subjective of course.
My system consists of Cary and a Spacedeck with a '70's Kenwood phonostage. I listen to mainly rock and jazz, with some other stuff mixed in. Seems something more analytical might be good, like the Lyra or Clear Audio, as most of the equipment produces a well defined soundstage with a little bit of romance.
My question is: I want a cart that if it gets broken, I'm not going to feel ripped off if I have a cat jump up, or I accidentally knock it, or there's an earthquake. Two of these cart's have no rebuild/replace policy (Shelter and Dyna), two do (Clear Audio and Lyra).
Positive or negative words on any of the above? Anybody got two arms you go back and forth with?
The carts I have in mind are all about $800.: the Shelter 501 (an MC), the Dynavector XX-2 (an MC) (purchased from the gray market at $800.), Lyra Argo or Dorian (again MC's) or the Clear Audio Virtuoso (a MM). My system has pretty good microdynamics, but they could be better; maybe 5 out of 10. The macrodynamics are more like 7 out of 10. All subjective of course.
My system consists of Cary and a Spacedeck with a '70's Kenwood phonostage. I listen to mainly rock and jazz, with some other stuff mixed in. Seems something more analytical might be good, like the Lyra or Clear Audio, as most of the equipment produces a well defined soundstage with a little bit of romance.
My question is: I want a cart that if it gets broken, I'm not going to feel ripped off if I have a cat jump up, or I accidentally knock it, or there's an earthquake. Two of these cart's have no rebuild/replace policy (Shelter and Dyna), two do (Clear Audio and Lyra).
Positive or negative words on any of the above? Anybody got two arms you go back and forth with?
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- 19 posts total
- 19 posts total