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Transfiguration Phoenix S or Grado Statement 1?

I have a Well Tempered Amadeus GTA with a Musical Surroundings Phonomena on a headphone set-up using Shanling tube headphone amp and Beyerdynamic Tesla T1s and Audeze LCD2s. Which would you choose?

I listen to everything, but lately mostly classical and Jazz. I do listen to acid Jazz, down-tempo, and classic rock. I prefer a well balanced sound with decent detail (i.e. not too bright), excellent soundstaging, excellent bass, with quick dynamism and rhythmic poise. Tonally just a bit warm of center with color spectrum (timbre).

Wish I could hear them both before choosing but.....

I appreciate your feedback.

Thanks

T
ieimago
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Well, I can't say that I am familiar with your gear, but if I was in this position, I would jump at the Transfiguration Phoenix S.
I have not heard the new S version, but I have heard the Orpheus L and the Phoenix, both are very good cartridges. They won't blow you away with detail, but are very musically honest, somewhat refined. I wish I had the money, I'd grab a Phoenix S in a heartbeat.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Ieimago: I agree with Jmcgrogan2, you can't go wrong with the Phoenix ( I own it. ) that IMHO could beats the Orpheus.

Btw, Jmcgrogan2: ++++ " They won't blow you away with detail, but are very musically honest, somewhat refined. " ++++

I compared my Phoenix to other top LOMC cartridges and I have to say that has not nothing to envy about detail. Of course that that cartridge performance characteristic can be different depending on the cartridge system set up.

I really like the Phoenix.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
ieimago OP
5 posts
 
Thank you both for your responsiveness and insight.

I purchased the Phoenix S last night. One was for sale here on AudiogoN. Just before that I had extended an offer to a gentleman located in Greece who had been trying to sell his Grado Statement on eBay for several weeks. I offered him the original auction starting price as opposed to "buy it now" and he refused; wouldn't budge.

So I went for the Phoenix S - what I truly wanted based on all the reviews and feedback - a an exceptional and well balanced cartridge - at the auction starting price for the Grado. Was also considering a Clearaudio Stradivarius or Van Den Hul XGP as well. I will probably buy an Van Den Hul in a year or two.

I'm excited / can't wait.
a_e_watkins
106 posts
 
Ieimago

While I do not own the Transfiguration 'Phoenix' I do own the 'Axia' and I have owned many Grados, so my 2 cents worth is that the Transfiguation is a much superior cartridge, provided that you have sufficient step-up power to handle the low output of the Transfiguration.

The inner detail of the Transfiguration is amazing.

Good Luck

AEW
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