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Good cartridge for the VPI Classic 1 turntable.

Hi. I am about to pull the trigger on the VPI Classic (1) turntable. Two questions -- 1) which MC cartridge works well? As for a MM I understand that the Clearaudio Maestro (wood) performs well. Your thoughts? 2) my budget for a phono preamp is about $700.00. What would be a good match. I like to listen to Steely Dan (AJA), the Beatles, Holly Cole, Louis Armstrong, etc. I'm not into classical music. I have a Primaluna Dialogue II with NOS tubes, Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor speakers with Kimber Kable Monicle X spkr wires. My other choice is to buy the Clearaudio Concept table with their Maestro (wood) MM cartridge. Is the Project Tube Box II phono preamp a good match for either of these fine tables? Thank you for your comments and insight. Cal.
128x128dramapsycho
pcs
109 posts
 
Dramapyshco, I have a VPI/Dynavector 20xl cartridge as my back up. It is made for this tt/arm combo. Very good, very reasonable. For my system I went to the Soundsmith VPI cartridge which mates with my taste a bit better. If interested in my vpi/dyna, let me know.

Paul
wynnosu's avatar
wynnosu
23 posts
 
I have been using the low output version of the Benz Micro Gullwing and have been very impressed as the hours have begun to add up. It is getting sweeter all the time and is very revealing, fast and interfaces well with my other components.
andyprice44
133 posts
 
I would like to recommend the soundsmith line of cartridges. They are well worth a look. I used a soundsmith Boheme on my classic with great results. Others have been very happy with the Zephyr which was designed for the JMW uni-pivots. Give them a look.
last_lemming
638 posts
 
Dynavector 20xL cart with a Dynavector P75 mkI or mkII phono pre (used?) set to phono enhancement setting.

If you can stretch get the 20x2L
tswisla
176 posts
 
I second the GCPH, excellent for the price. I just sold mine for $475 and it was in mint condition. As far as the cart goes, I am finishing the setup for a Classic 3 arm on my Scoutmaster II tonight. I will be using a Shelter 501, I will let you know how it sounds. I had a lot of problems with the Shelter on the JMW 9 Signature...
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