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Best cartridge for VPI Scoutmaster Signature

I listened to this turntable today with a Clearaudio cartridge (not sure which one). It sounded fantastic, but I'd like to hear other options.

I like a lot of detail, a deep and tall soundstage, well defined bass... you know, the nirvana we're all looking for.

This will likely be paired with B&W PM1's, a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium KT88, Simaudio 310LP Phono Stage and Nordost Blue Heaven interconnects.

I mostly listen to classic rock (Floyd, Grateful Dead, Led Zepplin, Dylan, Tom Petty), New Wave (The Cure), indie rock (Boo Radleys, James, Modest Mouse), Shoegaze (Slowdive), and jazz (Mingus, Parker, Coltrane). Obviously I'm naming bands more people here would know, but my taste gets eclectic after these jumping off points.

Any specific cartridges that do well for all of this?
128x128bgupton
mcbuddah
93 posts
 
I've been getting really nice tunes from the Grado Statement 1 on my SSM Reference. It's really low output makes it problematic for a lot of phono stages, but your SIM will be up it without need of an SUT. I run mine to a MC-only Thor phono preamp @47k ohms and, like famous Beethoven fan Alex in Clockwork Orange, hear Angel trumpets and devil trombones!

markpao
519 posts
 
Another vote for the Dynavector XX2mk2. I use it on my Aries 1. Great synergy. I could also recommend the Benz line. I had the Ruby 3 prior to my Dyna but decided to go for a cartridge with the needle out front were it's easier to align (with these aging eyes). Both are good matches and track very well with VPI arms.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Add Lyra Delos and Kleos to the list. I mounted a Lyra Kleos on my tricked-out VPI Classic (reg 1/2 plinth and Classic 3 tonearm). Phenominal performing combo.

Soundsmith VPI Zephyr is my backup. Works very well with the Classic, but nowhere as good sounding as the Kleos.
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robob
197 posts
 
Add Lyra Delos and Kleos to the list. I mounted a Lyra Kleos on my tricked-out VPI Classic (reg 1/2 plinth and Classic 3 tonearm). Phenominal performing combo.

They seem to work on the longer heavier VPI arms, but my Kleos had pretty noticeable sibilance on a JMW 9 sig. It does not have such sibilance on my SME 309. Also, the Kleos instructions recommend fixed bearing arms.

Grados and Dynavectors seem to work well on the 9 Sig. I have a 20XH on mine that tracks and sounds good.

Y'all be cool,
Robert A. Ober
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