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DRT XV1s Vs Orpheus Vs Shelter Harmony Vs 47 Labs

Hello. I am wondering if anyone can provide some recommendations on the cart's listed above, (I know that's a lot)? I currently am running an Ortofon Jubilee on a Graham Phantom with a TW Acustic Raven AC turntable and Tron 7 phono stage.

I can get a relatively reasonable price on the Dynavector, Transfiguration 47 Labs and Shelter but of course, have heard none of them. I suppose my only restriction is it must be low output as my phono stage requires it and I'm not interested in changing it, (about .2 to .7 mV).

I am looking for something that ideally has a full harmonically complete sound, (not overly warm but real sounding), with a good sounstage and very good dynamics.

I mainly listen to Jazz and contemporary music, (British Sea Power, The Mountain Goats, Spoon, Arcade Fire, etc...), with a little bit of Classical.

My system is posted and thank you in advance for your thoughts.

Bryan
bhoage
jtimothya
612 posts
 

If timbral accuracy and dynamic facility are your goals, the Transfiguration Orpheus (0.68mV) will meet and possibly exceed them. I've used it in reviewing four phono stages (ARC PH-7, Artemis PH-1, Atma-Sphere MP1, ZYX Artisan) and across them all its character holds true. Pardon the self-quote: "With its seemingly effortless dynamic contrasts and sublime tonal purity, the Orpheus is one of the great phono transducers of our day, a true music-lover’s cartridge."

Tim
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
For the record, Transfiguration Orpheus' output is 0.48mV not 0.68mV.

Dealer disclaimer
piedpiper
753 posts
 
A'feil,

actually, you are correct in terms of the published spec referenced @3.54cm/sec; Jtim is correct in terms of the more common reference @5cm/sec.

dealer disclosure.
jtimothya
612 posts
 

Piedpiper - thanks for the follow-up. Bill - I think the number given for a manufacturer's output measurement is likely based on the choice of test equipment they have on hand. For an 'apples to apples' comparison I use the 0.68mV output figure because the output measurement published for many/most cartridges is based on the CBS 'standard' rather than the JVC 'standard', Manufacturers should include which scale they use when publishing the measured performance. Transfiguration does, but many do not, and simply assume the CBS scale Here's conversion info.

The beauty of standards is there are so many to choose from. heh.

Tim
no_regrets
549 posts
 
Jtimothya,
I was wondering if you posted the results anywhere for the review of the four phono stages? If not, would you care to share with us how the various phono stages compared with the Orpheus?
Thanks.
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