2. analog
  3. 1297285783

Cartridge for VPI Classic?

I just sold my VPI Scout to replace it with a VPI Classic.
My system is as follows :
Whest PS.30R Phono Amp
Musical Fidelity A5CR Pre Amp
2xMusical Fidelity A3CR Power Amps biamping
Proac D15
Nordost Red Dawn/SPM Interconnects/Speaker Cable (I may look to change these)

I like my system but I'm a bit disappointed with the slight harshness in the top end, especially in reproduction of sibilance which I would like a cartridge to handle well.

I'm considering the following:
Benz Glider SL
Benz Wood SL
Dynavector 17D3
Dynavector XX2 MKII
Soundsmith VPI Zephyr

Any others that I should consider?
Any advice/experiences?
ecosse_011172
ecosse_011172 OP
18 posts
 
I'm considering replacing them, what would you suggest as a replacement?
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I just sold a Classic with a Denon 103 which I thought sounded quite good. Buy one of these an stick it in and listen for a while, cost is chump change compared to the others mentioned and you may like it; if not you have a back up or can resell it at little loss. I also use Musical Fidelity equipment and have found Denon [ for whom I am NOT a dealer] to be a good match. I use VDH TFU cables [dealer disclaimer] which I find to be a hell of a bargain; VERY close to the best available and relatively cheap. VDH is a serious company that does extensive research and manufactures its own wire, not some guy in a basement.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I started with a Benz Glider on a JMW 10.5 and, while I did enjoy this cartridge in that context, sometimes found it not to track well on highly modulated tracks. Since then I have become a fan of Lyra cartridges and the Helikon currently installed is sweet and a fantastic tracker on this unipivot arm.
bsme85
151 posts
 
The Denon 103 may not be an appropriate cart for the JMW 10.5i arm. Call VPI for further information.
jazzgene
145 posts
 
Currently using Grado Statement1 on my 10.5i arm. Sounds wonderful after some tweaks that Mike at VPI recommended to me.
More to discover