2. analog
  3. 1139522549

Which cartridge is the Imaging/soundstaging champ

Hello all:
I'm a new participant in these forums, though I've read virtually every post for the last 18 months. I'm a new owner of a Scoutmaster/JMW 9.
I got a Grado Statement Sonata as a starter cartridge(also using the VPI 3 gm headshell weight), and feel like I've gotten it set up pretty wel(VTA/VTF/SRA seem as good as I can get them). I have a nice high resolution system but can't seem to create an outrageously terriffic soundstage with pinpoint imaging like my digital front end can. I really can only listen to SOTA digital recordings at this point as my analog front end is just so superior overall. I do miss the excellent imaging and stage specificity though. I'm using the Cardas Neutral Reference phono cable into my EAR 864 preamp (with wonderful Mullard NOS tubes).
I feel the Grado is the culprit. What do you think? Which cartridge in the $750-$1500 range would be the imaging champ?
Thanks for your help.
Jim
jdolgin
cello
645 posts
 
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Jdolgin,
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My $ 0.02 is that you will love the new Airy2. I love both the Air2 and the UNIverse.
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Do let us know how you get on with the Airy2. It will take a while to break in. Doug will probably remember how long it took to break in the Airy2 that he test drove.
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Rgds,
Larry
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qdrone
1,039 posts
 
You might want to look at the Ortofon Jubellie too. I had heard good things on this cartridge in fact i bought one a year ago but have not had it mounted yet. My Monster Sigma 2000 is still giving me hours of pleasure and it was made by the same people who manufacture the ZYX cartridges. I'm sure though their has been huge strides in design since this cartridge was made. I listen too mostly Rock,Jazz,New Wave and a whole lot of Blues lately. Good luck.
readster
241 posts
 
i wouldn't mount a shelter 501 on a jmw-9, in my experimentation, i've found the Dynavectory 17D2MK2 to be the best sounding cart. for the jmw9 arm, you should do more research on the dyna 17d, it is an amazing cart. at any price.
jdolgin OP
82 posts
 
Readster:
The 17D2Mk2 weighs 5.3 grams. Are you mounting yours to the JMW9 au naturale or are you using the VPI 3 gram headshell weight?
Are any others mounting 5 gram cartridges to the JMW 9 without the extra headshell weight? Has anyone tried it both ways.......?
Jim
readster
241 posts
 
Hey Jdolgin, i use the vpi supplied headshell weight, it adds about 5 grams to the headshell.
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