Basis Vector cartridge recommendations

Hey Jerry,

If you are concerned that the Cadenza Black may be too revealing for your Thiels, you should have the same concern for the Lyra cartridges, IMHO. I owned the Helikon, and it was a bit too revealing for my tastes.

As you know, I am running the Cadenza Bronze, and it is a great match with my Allnic H1201. Transfiguration makes some great cartridges, but the Proteus is in a different price league than the Bronze, I'm pretty sure that would be the way to go if you can afford it. The Phoenix S is also a great cartridge, actually sounded better than the old Orpheus L, which is why Transfiguration had to re-work their line and come out with the Proteus.

One more candidate I would throw in there, just to confuse you more, is the ZYX 4D-X. Best cartridge I had on my Basis 2500 Signature table.

Since you list a $6K cartridge (Proteus) in competition with a $2300 cartridge (Bronze), I'm not really sure if you have a budget or not.
If you don't have a budget you may consider a My Sonic Lab Signature Gold! LOL!

Actually, you may want to look into the MSL line, as A.J. Conti of Basis likes them so much that he became the North American importer for MSL. I know A.J. was smitten with the MSL cartridges before he became the importer. If you are looking at a Proteus, an Eminent or Ultra Eminent may be in your wheelhouse. I have not had an opportunity to hear a MSL cartridge though.

There, how's that for more confusion?

Cheers,
John

Thanks John, your wealth of experience and council is always valuable. I would say my budget is no more than 6K. I did forget to mention MSL on my short list because AJ is so high on them, but I know very little about them other than brief reading on the net.

It is confusing with seemingly endless options! I would like to make a choice that I can live with for a while but it almost seems like a shot in the dark. I got lucky with my Jubilee, I have enjoyed it for several years.

Congrats on your system, I know you've got it humming!

Cheers,
Jerry

I just installed a NOS Transfig Orpheus in my Vector 4 and it is astonishing compared to the Spirit. While the Spirit was good, the Orpheus is like taking a step closer to the musicians. More lifelike presentation, but without harshness. I would highly recommend one if you can find it. I purchased mine at Ears Nova for a reasonable price and I am very pleased with it. I believe they may have a couple more. I do believe that all the Trannys work well in Basis arms, so you certainly won't go wrong with any of them, IMO.