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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
john_tracy
343 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
gregm
3,409 posts
 
I'm not sure how low a compliance cartridge cartidge you can use on your SME4. (Maybe Twl can enlighten here?) If low-medium compliance is game, then the Allaerts (above) or a VdHul Colibri could be contenders. Ultimately, a Clearaudio Insider -- if you live the "hi rez" style of upper level clearaudio cartridges.
OTOH the big Shelter (which I haven't listened to) has been appreciated in many circles. BTW, isn't Shelter made in Japan -- in which case, maybe worth purchasing there.
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rauliruegas
13,106 posts
 
Dear Jfrech: As I told you all these cartridges are a great ones and all of them goes fine with the SME IV ( I alredy try on it ). But the Koetsu RSP and the Dynavector are low output cartridges and I think that the Titan goes better with your preamp because is a medium output MC and this cartridge can correct your " system weaknesses ". I can tell you that any one of these cartridges can do the same for your system. The Helikon is not in the same league, these cartridges are far away from it ( in the past I own a Helikon ). BTW, great audio system.
Best wishes and always enjoy the music.
Raul.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Jfrech,
If you're still looking, you might check out the review of the Shelter 90X at:

http://www.10audio.com

It seems like it might be what you're after. The reviewer compared it favorably to both the RSP and the XV-1s.

It's got enough output to address the issue Raul just mentioned. In fact I think Raul's heard the 90x and could give you another firsthand perspective.
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