2. analog
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cartridges to enjoy without worries

I am in the market for a cartridge that will not have issues.I have about $2K to spend and have been looking at Dynavector,Soundsmith and Clearaudio.I will be buying NEW,so recommendations on both cartridge and dealer are appreciated.Looking for a natural presentation w/o hype.System is resolving and has response down to 25Hz-anything "slow" in the bass won't do,nor sibilant.
I enjoyed my previous Allaerts Eco,but have heard the "2" is more "lively".For the money I spent and the time it was enjoyed, I cannot bring myself to make the same investment twice.
Many thanks in advance and a Happy New Year to all.
tpsonic
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
You need to try a Shure 97. I know, too cheap for great sound, but try it. Worst it becomes a back up cartridge for when the $2K goes down. I have a Clearaudio Victory H, still in use, but I did try the Shure before it, since I had it sitting new for 30 years. Well, it gave the CA a run for its money, great warm sound. Table was vpi, 10.5 arm.

Don't be part of the crowd that defines excellence by price.
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
Dynavector XX2 MKII, great cartridge and so far (going on year two) completely worry free with deep bass and a very natural presentation. This is my third Dynavector cartridge and all have been reliable and given me lots of sonic joy. I listen to vinyl at least 80% percent of the time with my system.
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
TP,

Here's a few standard suggestions
ZYX R50 or R100
Dyna DV17 or better
Lyra Dorian or Argo

Now here's a left-field call
Decca London - it needs a unipivot arm (damped preferably), can't track everything, but it sounds alive. It's not as good as an Allaerts (I have an Allaerts MC1B as well as 2 Deccas), but when it's right, it's great.

Good luck,

Charlie

PS Once Jan has rebuilt your Allaerts, you won't want to hear anything else.
fap
32 posts
 
Happy New Year from Australia, where it's early New Years Day Morning. I also recommend the Shure M97xE.

If overhang is adjusted correctly and electrical 'loading' optimised, few cartridges will better it at many times the price, in my humble opinion! Regards, Fap.
tpsonic OP
1,092 posts
 
I am leaning heavily toward the Voice,standard or Ebony.I am hearing that it is a "big bang for the buck" cartridge.
Which compliance level would be appropriate for my OL Encounter III?-I know that this would be a question for Peter,but looking to advance our conversation,when it happens on 1-2-09.
Topoxforddoc,I have had several unipivots in house.I know this design type is the favored one,but have had nothing but problems with them.Am very happy with the Encounter and its' performance.
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