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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
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
639 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...
goatwuss
877 posts
 
The Phonomena 2 sounds quite a bit better than the GCPH in my experience. GCPH was a bit bright & thin for me.
chipcarterdc
22 posts
 
I have the Phonomena 2 with my VPI Classic 1 and Ortofon 2M Black cartridge. Sounds great!
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