New cart for under 1K

I received a response from a seller that stated with my phono pre P-75 the Transfiguration Temper Supreme would be an amazing match. He's selling it for $1,300.00 which is above my price range, but is a consideration. I know nothing about this cartridge and was wondering if anyone here could explain the differences between the XX-2 and Transfiguration. The problem with having too many choices is one can never make a choice! Ahh this hobby....

If you feel you must change cartridges, the Dynavector cartridge will be a great match with your Dynavector phono preamp. Save the money for your speaker upgrade. 1300-700=500 towards speaker upgrade.

I am sticking by my earlier post, which is move to a speaker you really like, then align the rest of your system around the speaker.

I have no experience with the Transfiguration, but I really liked the XX-2 (Soundsmith rebuild) with the P75. A low impedance cart like the XX-2 is ideal for the PE mode of the P75.

And I'd be sure that you have an idea of the seller's listening preferences as well. Does the seller listen to similar genres? Does the seller prioritize the same sonic characteristics as you do? This of course also applies to anyone giving a recommendation.

Anyway, I am not meaning to suggest that the seller's advice isn't good advice (again, no experience with that cart), but be sure to calibrate a purchase to your preferences not anyone else's. Including mine.

I have owned the Dynavector XV-1s, XX-2 mk II, and 10X5, I have also listened extensively to the Transfiguration Phoenix and Orpheus L. Both will work well with the right equipment, but sonically, they are quite different.

The Transfiguration cartridges are very relaxed and natural sounding, and work extremely well with Jazz, Blues, Female vocals and small, intimate band/club environments.
The Dynavector cartridges are more dynamic and powerful sounding, and work extremely well with rock and large scale orchestral recordings, in large halls or arenas. Which you would prefer would depend on the gear you already have, and what type of music you like to listen to.

I'm currently running a Dynavector XX-2 mk II, but I was looking for a Phoenix -S at a good price. I finally gave up and 'settled' on the XX-2 mk II, but I have to admit that I am enjoying it quite a bit. Is your system a bit warm and you're looking for a bit of zing? Get the Dynavector. If your system is a tad bright and you are looking for something to tame it a bit, go for the Transfiguration.

I had the Dyna 20x2 low output on my Classic 3, and went to the XX2 Mk II and the difference was pronounced, dynamic range, bass emphasis was enhanced, if you can swing it the XX2 MK II continually impresses me. I absolutely really like it for 70s rock. It also seems to me extraordinarily quiet in the grooves with that micro line stylus. Also set up seems less critical than some other cartridges I have owned. My son has the Ortofon Black on the VPI traveler and that is also one heck of a cartridge. If I were looking for a MM cartridge in the $600 range I would put it on my short list. It is really good. If you want MC and can handle the 0.28 MV output of the XX2 MKII my recommendation would be try and swing it, instead of the 20x2.