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2K-3K Cartridge for SME10/BAT VK-P10SE superpak

I am on the last step of upgrading my analog front end. I am using SME 10 with M10 tonearm (part of performance package, similar to SME 309) with a BAT VK-P10 SE with superpak phonostage. I am currently using a Dynavector 20XL (output 0.25mV) using the step-up transformer in the BAT. Rest of the system is cardas golden reference tonearm cable (currently being reterminated with XLR connectors by Cardas), Golden reference balanced ICs, BAT VK-300x SE integrated amp, cardas neutral reference speaker cable in internal biwire configuration, and Aerial 7bs. I listen to rock and small combo Jazz (Blue Notes, Coltrane, Bill Evans, Miles Davis). My listening priorities are a very dynamic, full range sound with extended, well-controlled bass, wide soundstage, and likely err on the side of a touch of warmth. I want to avoid forward sounding highs and am very sensitive to excessive sibilance. I have no complaints with the Dynavector, but can't help but wonder what a more expensive cartridge would bring. Cartridges I am considering based on reviews and forums are

Sumiko Celebration II (based on several SME users recommendations)
Dynavector XX2 Mk II (I love my Dynavector)
Lyra Helikon or Helikon SL
Lyra Skala (this would be a stretch of my budget)
Ortofon Jubilee

Thanks for your suggestions.
sdrenslow
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Well, since you like your Dynavector, how about going "whole hog" and going with a Dynavector XV-1S, (or even its predeccesor, the XV-1?

Used they can be found within your budgeted amount, usually for as low as $1,900 (which is what I bought mine for, and a month after I bought mine, I saw another for the same amount). Typically this is what one goes for with a couple of hundred hours on it, and since a cartridge like this will last for at least a thousand hours, (and probably double to triple that), that is an incredible deal to get it for less than half its retail price of $4,250. Of course you'll pay a bit more for one that is not even broken in yet. (If you'll check, you'' typically find one or two for sale here on Audiogon, in fact there were two for sale when I looked just now.)

FYI, I owned the XV-1S for several months now, and find it to be an incredble cartridge, and just as impressive as all the reviews has said it is!
It has a very, very low noise floor (which is very important to me), which rivals the best cartridges I have heard, such as the Koetsu, ZYX and Brinkmann (EMT) line of cartridges.
It is incredibly detailed, without being analytical.
It has a great bass response, (it is almost as deep as my previous Shelter 90X, (just a touch less deep actually), but it is tighter and quicker than the Shelter, which makes me enjoy it more.
The treble is smooth, well extended and very detailed, without being bright or glaring.
The mid-range is wonderful, and while it is not as lush as the Koetsu cartridges I have owned (and loved!), in the past, it is, in its own way, just as good, as the neutrality of the mid-range seems to blend better with the well extended treble and bass response. (The Koetsu mid-range was magical, but the treble was ever so slightly rolled off, and the bass response was neither as deep or as tight as either the XV-1S or the Shelter 90X.)
At this point, I think I have found the cartridge I plan on living with for a very long time!

My two cents worth anyway.
Good Luck!
sdrenslow OP
65 posts
 
John,

Thanks for the sage advice. I have thought about upgrading the tonearm. The upgrade to the tonearm would be easier if I was able to sell the M10 tonearm. However, due to its unique mounting, it would be difficult to use with any other table besides the SME10 and therefore would likely be difficult to sell. The tonearm I have has the optional damping trough. That, the silver cartridge leads and the Cardas tonearm cable may slightly close the gap with the Model IV and V tonearms.

Kurt,

I have purchased virtually my entire audio system off audiogon, but am very reluctant to purchase a cartridge second hand due to uncertainty with how many hours the cartridge has been used, despite the users best guess. Certainly something to think about and it would let me step into something I otherwise couldn't afford (much like the rest of my audio system!).

Scott
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Scott,

Yeah, I know what you're saying about buying a used cartridge. I too had those same reservations a while back.

However, I did buy my second Koetsu (A Koetsu Rosewood Signature) used, (and from Ebay - yeah, that was scary!), as well as my Shelter 90X (from an Audiogon member), and I had no problems. I think if you'll actually talk to the seller, and check their background, it will help ease your fears. (I will admit that the XV-1S I bought was from a friend that I met on Audiogon, so I had no fears there. One of the cool things about hanging out here on Audiogon, is making friends, and not having to worry about buying used items from them!)

(FYI: By checking their background, I don't just mean looking at their feedback, as that can be misleading sometimes. I mean check out to see how much they post here (and on Audio Asylum, if possible), so you can see if they are a regular member. (i.e. "Regular", as in one of us nut cases that loves to upgrade, just because we like to!) By talking to them on the phone, you can get a feel as why they are selling. (The best reason is that they are upgrading to a newer, better cartridge. I always like buying from people who "want" to sell, rather than need to "sell", as they tend to be friendly and more helpful.)

My two cents worth anyway!

Again, good luck in your search.

PS If you can, buying locally also helps alleviate your fears, as you can go to their house and get to know them, and with any luck, hear the cartridge for sale on their analog rig, so you can know for a fact that it is in good shape.
hamburg
69 posts
 
I also have the vkp10se superpak but use it with the VPI TNT6 table. I have tried the shelter cartridges and thought they were great. The best for me is the Air Tight. Works well with the sensitivity of the BAT. I also have not had problems with purchasing cartridges from Audiogon. Many fellow Audiogoners swap cartridges to see if it sounds better in their system. As a result, very few hours one added to the cartridge. I for one have two cartridges sitting in storage. I have yet to list them for sale. I bet there are others that have cartridges sitting for months in limbo. At the right price take a chance.
Good Luck Richard
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Scott, you are wise to hesitate buying a used cartridge. I've bought many used items on AudiogoN and Ebay, including phono cartridges, until I learned the hard way. Once you're out a couple grand, and find out that the seller was not truthful, well let's just say it makes for an unpleasant experience. It's harder to judge a cartridge's true condition over the internet than it is to judge a phono preamp, or similar larger object.

As for cartridges, if you are happy with your Dynavector 20XL, it would seem the safest move would be up the Dynavector line to the XX-2. Dynavector does make great cartridges, they are my second favorite line behind the ZYX line. In your price range, you may also want to consider the ZYX Airy 3.

BTW, very nice phono stage!

Cheers,
John
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