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Help with Cartridge selection

I am in the process of setting up my first analog system in 20+ years. I bought a Basis 2100 but before it was shipped upgraded to the 2200 Signature w/ Vector 4 tonearm.
I listen to Jazz 75% of the time then everything else.
This is my third thread.... now I need help with a mid/low priced mc cartridge. I have narrowed my list to these:

1. Lyra Delos
2. Lyra Argo i
3 Ortofon Cadenza Blue or Red
4. Dynavector 20X-H
5. Dynavector Karat 17DS
6. Benz Micro Glider S
7. Soundsmith SWWC1 or Aida (MI cart)

I have been told by one seasoned anolog vet. That the Dynavector 10X5 would hold it's own with any of these carts. Any comments or suggestion would be welcomed and appreciated!

My system:
Pass Labs Xono
Aesthetix Calypso
Pass Labs Aleph 3s (2) bi-amp.
Audio Physic Virgo IIs
Rel Storm IIIs (2)
Mixed up bunch of wires.

Thanks for your help again,
Greg
gandme
gandme OP
212 posts
 
Dougdeacon- I do not see the review you spoke of for the ZYX Atmos. What is the price of a new ZYX 4D?
Thanks, Greg
samhar
1,048 posts
 
Dougdeacon
Thanks for pointing to your Atmos review and especially your perception/description of overhang. Also it's good to know about the ZYX line and the Atmos as a very good cart.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Greg,
Click "Reviews" next to my signature. I think 4D is around $4500 list, but you'd have to ask a dealer to be sure. As I mentioned, the previous ZYX distributor is selling NOS Atmos for around $2K. For exact prices you'd have to ask them of course. www.sorasound.com.

Samhar,
Sonic overhang is something we we're very sensitive to, partly because the UNIverse imparts so little of it. The Orpheus L and XV-1S come very close in our system and the Atmos is just a hair behind that. The opposite might be something like your Rosewood or Urushi. Those cartridges slew transients and insert some overhang by design. A very different sound.

Cheers,
Doug
samhar
1,048 posts
 
Where would you place the PC-1?
gandme OP
212 posts
 
Definitly a lot of information and great recommendation. I thank you all! I will be referring to this thread in the future when I upgrade.
I have decided on the Dynavector DL20X-L, at $750 it is a good starting point. I know with my other gear it has been a work in progress for years, I know the same will be true with my cartridge selection. I'm always tempted to go for the best I can afford but I need to establish an ear for my system with the added TT. I need to hear the improvements that are sure to come as I get a feel for the analog sound back in my home.
Dougdeacon- After reading your review (I did find it..duh)
of the ZYX Atmos I was very tempted to forget my budjet limits...lucky for me I could not figure out how to get a price for one or even if they are still available. I did find plenty of the 4D's for way more than I can spend at this point!
I think my TT is about 2 weeks out...plenty of time to get a cartridge.
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