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Top phono cartrige to match jfrech's system ...

Please click on my system link first. I'm looking for a cartrige to upgrade from my Helikon. Also, I'm going on a buisness trip to Japan soon. I'm hoping I can buy something over there just a little cheaper-but this is not a requirement.

My system weaknesses are, just a little cool in the midrange, just a little hot on the top end and images could be a little rounder. Strengths are excellent detail, excellent bass definition, very quiet, transparent etc. I'm using Amperex 7308's in the phono stage. Telefunkens sound better...but are noisier. Bad trade off I think.

The only other possible upgrade is to a Aesthetix Rhea or Io. Maybe even the depth charge cap upgrade on my P10SE. My BAT Phono is great with outputs around .5mv...anything much lower and I'll have to use the transformers. Which I think cut down on quality some vs going direct to the input tubes.

My thoughts, and I wish I could audition these in my system, but I doubt I can...

Lyra Titan
Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum
Dynavector XV-1 or XV-1s

Any others? Any comments on why I'll like/dislike the above? Thanks for your help !
128x128jfrech
oanhu
24 posts
 
I had SME 20/2 with SME V tonearm. I just replaced Colibri XCM for the Benz LP. This cartridge is matched for SME V. I am very happy with the current set-up.
topoxforddoc's avatar
topoxforddoc
353 posts
 
Try the Allaerts - MC1B GBP 1300 to the Formula 2 about GBP3000. I have a MC1B on a Platine Verdier and Schoreder Model 2.
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rauliruegas
13,051 posts
 
Dear friend: All these 3 phono cartridges are great ones ( I own all these ). You can choose any one. I think that you have to change your preamp ( it has not enough gain ). The best you can do for your music reproduction is to buy a preamp with a built in high gain phono stage ( with out step up transformer inside it ).
Regards.
Raul.
john_tracy
341 posts
 
"just a little cool in the midrange, just a little hot on the top end and images could be a little rounder"

I've never used the Amperex 7308s in a phono stage, but I do have experience with using them in a line stage. If that is transferable (I don't know) then you might try some Siemens E88CC or E188CC 'A' frames from the early 1970s. These are not too expensive and they are a little softer on top, have warmer mids and give 'rounder' images than the Amperexes. At least that has been my experience in a line stage. I personally like the 'pinched waist' D-getter Amperexes, but finding a phono grade pair would probably set you back and arm and a leg and probably your left nut too! You might cruise Ebay and keep a lookout for some D-getter PQs. Still rare, but not nearly as costly as the 'pinched waist' variety; similar sound. I recently bought a pair of D-getter E88CCs for $30. good luck.
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Go the Dynavector. I have both the XV-1 and helikon. Yes the helikon is a little cool in the midrange and a little hot in the top end ( in my system).
The XV-1 to me just seems like a more musical cartridge. It seems to have a better top to bottom balance and is a warmer compared to the helikon. The helikon sounds great but I find I can listen and enjoy a lot more types of music with the XV-1 compared to the helikon. I listen to approx 85% XV-a and 15% helikon. nice to have both

cheers
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