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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
twl
3,251 posts
 
Hi. As I have been mentioned here, I'll weigh in with a few comments. First, I don't recommend the Shelter 501 with the JMW arm. I love the cartridge, but I don't think it is the best match with that tonearm. I would consider something more along the lines of a Benz Glider, or a Dynavector.

Psychicanimal, thanks for you kind comments about my "knowledge". As we all know, each of our musical tastes may vary, so we will all gravitate toward the "sound" that pleases us. I am pleased that you are having enjoyment from your system, as I am enjoying mine.

Talentkeeper, I suggest cartridges in the 15cu compliance range for your arm. You should audition some of the contenders mentioned, and decide for yourself.
talentkeeper OP
9 posts
 
Thank you Twl. Oh how much I would love to audition cartridges but so far I haven't had anyone willing to let me do that!! All my components were purchased by auditioning them first or with a money back guarantee. Seems like no one wants to do that with a cartridge. It's understandable in a way. I gather from your advice that medium compliance cartridges are the way to go. Thanks again.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
You ARE extremely knowledgeable regarding analog, Tom. When I plan to upgrade my creature on steroids' cables you'll be the first to know. I want to have something good.

Now, I just came back from Lak's place doing a shootout between the Pure Note Epsilon and some killer underdog ICs I just got here at a Dutch auction. I took along only one CD: Gilberto Santa Rosa "Live in Carnegie Hall". Full fledged salsa orchestra with strings section. Before two minutes passed I knew which interconnect was superior. The music is so dynamic and the ambience so rich that it allowed me to get spatial, musical and timing clues very quickly (PRAT, that is).

Let me tell you this: forget that 5W, single driver thing. You can't play *salsa*...

Anyway, I'm very happy with my underdog ICs. Lak told me they sound better than some HMS he auditioned in his system.
lak's avatar
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lak
4,629 posts
 
Psychicanimal,
Not the correct place to post this but...
To set the record straight and be perfectly honest, I’d say based upon the short two hour audition of your (not totally broken in interconnects), they sounded better on my modest small tube system than: Cardas Golden Reference IC’s and SC, Silver Audio Appassionata IC's and Silver Symphony 48 SC and power cord,. Bear Lab Silver Lighting IC and SC, Granite Audio # 470 IC, Audience Au24 IC and SC, HMS Topline IC and SC and Power cord (not the brand new ones they came out with recently).
I would really need to listen to them again in solo. In addition another pair of 1.5/M IC’s would be ideal so that I could be sure there was no masking by the other Pure Note in my system.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Agree with you, Larry...but I wanted to make the point that type of music is key to testing gear. It was harder to tell the difference between the IC's with your Diana Krall CD than w/ my Gilberto Santa Rosa. Salsa is extremely demanding on audio systems. Anyone who doubts this ask Frank Van Alstine...

Besides, we haven't disclosed the IC's I just bought. Not important. I'm glad I could test them in your high resolution system. Now I know the cryo'ed Tice IC's will do an outstanding job from electronic x-over to subwoofer amp. Excellent!
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