Cartridge upgrade for SME 20/2A???

The best acoustic guitar reproduction I have ever heard,by FAR,was with a ZYX Universe!!

Ok, here goes my reply. I can't comment on your electronics, I haven't heard them, but if the phono stage is a weak point, I'd have to agree that it and the arm cable maybe the bigger areas to hit first.

Also, on your SME 20/2a, I've had big results with isolation. Currently I'm using a Symposium Ultra shelf sitting on a Arcici suspense stand. I have a Finite Elemente Pagode Master Reference stand on order, I'll see if that improves things. Power cords on the motor controller also help. I've used several and settled on the Omega Micro via Walker.

Arm cables, I've written a review on the Purist Venestas I believe. I've also used the Graham IC 50 and Hovland Music groove cables. These make a marked improvement.

As for cartridges, I've stayed in the lyra line over the years. Started with a Lydian Beta, then a Helicon, now a Skala. The Skala is killer. I don't know about the others but know that they seem to be good matches with the SME 20/2 due to other posts around here. I have a review posted on the Skala as well that might help you some. The lyra's all output about .5 so that helps you some. Plus, I doubt they'd get confused any-especially the Helicon or Skala. Setup is very critical here.

Guys,

First off, a sincere thanks for your comments. I have a feeling that you haven't had a chance to compare my phono stage with others that you would consider superior - so you'll have to trust my judgement when I say that the phono stage is not an issue, at least not to the same extent that the cartridge and interconnect are. The phono stage may well be an issue on down the line, but I have plans for that, eventually...

I am also concerned about isolation for the table, but have tried a number of available solutions (some very expensive), and nothing has worked yet even remotely as well as a 1" slab of MDF with PVC flange fittings and 20 inflatable miniature sports balls - cheap and incredibly effective!

The motor controller and phono stage already have upgraded power cords. So I 'm pretty well set on dealing with the cartridge and interconnect first. I do have some questions:

Is there a particular value of cartridge mass that I should be looking for to work effectively with the SME arm?

Any particular comments or opinions that you would like to share regarding Koetsu? Seems like there is little enthusiasm for that brand...

Anyone feel compelled to share thoughts on the overall sonic qualities of the ZYX Airy 3 (I don't think the Universe is going to be an option ;-), and the Lyra Skala (I will certainly read your review Jfrech)

Something to keep in mind - I have very widespread musical taste and listen almost anything and everything with the exception of opera, death metal, hard core punk, and common rap - the ability of a cartridge to produce accurate timbre on acoustic instruments is very important to me.

The Dynavector Karat is a great cartridge. You might want to upgrade your phono stage or preamp. I have no doubt you will see improvements.

Koetsu...I have 2 friends who both have Jade Platinums. That's a killer cartridge. I've also heard the Rosewood Signature Platinum in those same two systems. They are great...I'd take my Skala over the RSP. The Jade I think bests it...for another 2k. And it's .2 mv output which is why I've shyed away.