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Second Cartridge With Transfiguration Phoenix

I use Phoenix with Graham Phantom tonearm over Acoustic Solid Royal TT (ARC Ref 2 SE phono stage). I really like what I hear bur decided to get a second cartridge with a second tonearm (will be Graham Phantom II Supreme) on the second tonearm plate with my TT. I am currently considering from a list of Shelter Harmony, Koetsu Onyx or Azule Platinum, Airtight PC-1 Supreme, Ortofon PW. My listening preferences are neutral, organic sound with a deep and wide soundstage, I do not prefer a specific bandwith dominating the test, I like details without sacrificing musicality as one can get why I like Phoenix. Of course one may either find a cartridge having similar sonic clothing with Phoenix while improving its virtues or alternatively can try to find a very different sound as complementing a neutral sounding cartridge like Phoenix, which I am not decided what to do. I will appreciate from current users or ones who have experience with those cartridges and if they were able to listen to some of them with the same setup. Thanks for your help.
number95
number95 OP
44 posts
 
I would like to thank to all of you who shared their honest and sincere opinions as well as providing very useful information. Here is the plan for me. I decided to buy two cartridges. I understand Lyra and Zyx are more on the neutral and honest side, so I will consider either Lyra Kleos (or perhaps Atlas) or Zyx Universe II. Good news from my dealer who sells Zyx in Turkey, he said he can bring Universe so it is affordable for me (seems Universe specific model for North America). Apart from that part of spectrum, I will get another cartridge but on the warm side to add a different flavor like Koetsu (stone bodied). I will buy an additional armwand with second Graham and will test all 3 cartridges (including Phoenix). If neutral sounding cartridge (Lyra or Zyx) outperforms Phoenix with a clear margin, then it will be the new reference cartridge for me. If Koetsu or else also shows its virtues as a keeper then it will be the second cartridge. I will order second Graham with IC-70 phono cable to compare all of the cartridges equally. In worst case, you may see a second hand Koetsu for sale in Audiogon :))
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Number95, glad you've formulated a plan, which seems sensible and should teach you a lot about whichever cartridges you try.

One caution: Raul's first post correctly mentioned that the Graham might not be the optimal tonearm for lower compliance cartridges. IME that is true and (speaking generally) Koetsu's have the lowest compliance of the cartridges you're considering. They may not perform at their best on a Graham.

I'm not suggesting you change your plan. A stone body's higher mass will help them play better than a wood body. Just be aware that what you hear depends on the arm as well as the cartridge..

Enjoy!
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,052 posts
 
Dear Number95: ++++ " I will order second Graham with IC-70 phono cable to compare all of the cartridges equally. " +++++

just an additional thought: what if for example you test the Transparent MM2 and outperforms ( with the same cartridge ) the IC 70? is it not a better alternative and in some ways what you are looking for when asked about?
Yes, if that happen you need to invest not in one IC but two IC cables and this means a higher investment.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
number95 OP
44 posts
 
Hi Raul, your logic is undeniable, will get a phono cable from Transparent to test. Many thanks.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Raul, higher investments don't seem to be a problem for Number95! ;-)
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