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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
maineiac
649 posts
 
Srdenslow, I think that the review you are referring to was for a ZYX Airy, there is now an Airy 2, and Airy 3. I am not sure of the specific differences but it may be worthwhile to note that the review was of a different incarnation that may or may not be comparable to the ZYX Airy 3. I have seen comments of meaningful differences between Airy 2 and Airy 3.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Scott, I can understand the inability to audition the ZYX. So I assume that this means you will have an opportunity to audition the Dynavector, Lyra, Ortofon and Sumiko in your system. Why not just audition the ones you can and pick the one you like best?

FWIW, I do respect Art Dudley, but I have owned the Lyra Helikon, Koetsu Rosewood Signature, Benz Micro Ruby 2, Cardas Heart, Dynavector XX-2, and several others that escape me. I've also heard the Jubilee, but not the Celebration. All of these cartridges were worthy and had good qualities, though none were on the level of the ZYX Airy 3, IMHO. I have since moved on to the UNIverse.

IMHO, your best bet would be to be patient and save your pennies, and then buy either the ZYX UNIverse or a Dynavector XV-1s as your funds allow. As good as your phono stage is, it really needs a top flight cartridge to shine.

Cheers,
John

BTW, I still advise against buying used, even from the original owner. There is no way to know how accurate his guesstimate of age/hours is, let alone if the cartridge had been set up and cared for properly. Just my $0.02.
I'll buy most of my gear used, but a phono cartridge is not worth the risk to me.
sdrenslow OP
65 posts
 
Update. I have spent more time with my system over the past week. I have had many signficant changes to my analog front end, moving from a Rega P9 to the SME 10, then putting the SME 10 on a Gingko audio platform, and replacing my Dynavector P75 phono stage with the BAT and changing the innerconnects from old Monster Cable to cardas golden reference. I would describe the sound as very pleasing, but overly warm, smooth and laid back/distant. I either need to change something in the set-up, or need to consider a more lively sounding cartridge (perhaps the smoothness and warmth of the dynavector/BAT/cardas/aerial products is too much of a good thing?! Any comments?
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
Hi Scott, I misread your original post a little. I now see why a cartridge is the top of your list (I thought you had the xx2 already). And given your new post, a Lyra Helicon maybe a VERY synergistic fit. That coolness I commented about might be a good fit for your system. In the end, it's the sum of the parts that is most important!

Also, might look at changing the loading on your phonostage, that can open up the top end a touch, or maybe other settings related to the arm and cartrige. Do you have the damping trough on your arm? If so, maybe try taking the needle screw thing all the way out of the fluid. (zero damping) I like this setting best on my SME 20/IV.Vi.

Are your Cardas cables brand new? If so, they need to break in, might take a few weeks here, possible culprit. Speaker placement also might be something to tweek. Seems like every big system change I make, I move speakers around slightly.

I have some other ideas, but maybe this is a start...
sdrenslow OP
65 posts
 
John,

Thanks for the post. My previous post is a bit of an exaggeration to make a point. I think a cartridge that tends towards the smooth or warm side may push the system too far in that direction. I do have the damping trough- I will experiment with taking the screw all the way out. The system is very satisfying- the complete antithesis of a fatiguing system. I think a slightly more lively or "cool" cartridge would be a synergistic fit. I am getting incredible soundstaging and imaging, a significant improvement in separation of voices and instrumental lines, and a more believable tonality with the new phonostage. Using the step-up transformer at the 12dB gain setting, I am getting excellent dynamics and very deep bass response. I have made some minor adjustments in speaker placement that have smoothed out the bass response further.

Scott
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