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Help Please: What Cartridge?

I am on an upgrade path in anolog front end and could use some feedback. I have a VPI MK IV, which I am upgrading to the new HR-X bearing and platter. I also am waiting on a JMW 10 arm I purchased on Augiogon. Previously I had a Rega Planar 3 with Dynavector 10X4 MK II, which I sold off. I am not sure if I made a wise decision selling the Dynavector but I was so impressed with this cartridge I wanted to get more. Other than a Denon DL103, which I had before my current system (ver low end so the true capability of this cartridge was never known to me), the Dyna was the only cartridge that I have heard (sorry I did own an AKG cartridge way back on a pioneer direct drive turntable but we won't talk about that) so I really don't know what various cartridges will sound like and am stuck trying to decide. The other problem is whether I should stick with high output MC or go low output and add a transformer. Is there really that much difference between the two? The Dynavector seamed fine to me but again I don't know what I am missing. Seams to me you may loose any advantage you may have gained in the low output cartridges by the addition of another component such as the step up and cables. My current system consists of VTL TT25 monblocks, Coincident Super Eclipse speakers, Rogue Audio Magnum 99 with phono and upgraded to premium GE NOS and Mullard NOS, Wireworld Silver Eclipse III speaker cables, Peirre Gabriel ML1 silver interconnects and Foundation Research line conditioners. My digital is Pioneer DV-09 (temporary), which I don't listen to much. Incidentally I had a Cary 303/200 but returned it to build my analog because my Rega setup sounded better!! Any help would be appreciated. The cartridges I have considered are Dyna 20HX,Karat 17, Benz Micro H2, Shelters, Grados, Clearaudio Virtuosso and Lyra Helikon. I listen mostly to Classical, Jazz and pop in that order. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
talentkeeper
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
You're welcome. I think TWL is way more knowledgeable to help you choose a *compatible* cartridge. I don't trust his musical taste, though!!!

As I said, the Ortofon X5 is outstanding and it outperforms cartridgesd sevral times its price. The good new is you can get it from 2Juki for $125 vs $325 in Needledoctor. Grey market, of course...

If it was me, the next steps would be a Dynavector ($500) or a Benz ($800). Bill Parish told me there's a midlle of the line Linn cartridge that's ouperforming some multi thousand dollar pieces (www.gttgroup.com).

I'm very happy with my modded Groovemaster II and it was designed to be an integrated headshell design for my modded 1200. More money in my pocket for room acoustric treatments and some really decent interconnects.
talentkeeper OP
9 posts
 
Thank you Psychicanimal. I will strongly consider your advise. Who is TLW?
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Just browse through the analog posts and you will find TWL. Extremely knowledgeableregarding analog. Maybe someday he'll get into DDs and be "perfect"...
rockinroni's avatar
rockinroni
287 posts
 
I will not make any comments at this time about DD turntables and MM cartridges.

I will say if you have not heard the magic of a low output mc you do not understand my point.

Get yourself a Shelter 501 MKII for your VPI MK IV, which you are upgrading to the new HR-X bearing and platter, and JMW 10 arm. This is the best cartridge period for under $1000. Ask TWL, its the cartridge he and I and many of the not so rich, but enlightened use.
talentkeeper OP
9 posts
 
Rockinroni. Thanks for your comments. What do you think is required as a minimum in step-up transformers and cables to not degrade the sound of the low output cartridges then? Is there a cost effective product that will allow you to get all the benefits of low output MC? By the way I have read Arthur Salvatore's site and find it very intriguing. Accorging to him it sounds like you have to spend some really big bucks to get the best out of Low output cartridges.
TWL. I have heard a lot about you since joining Audiogon. Your insight into this would be much appreciated. I posted this request on another thread (VPI experiment)
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