Cartridge upgrade for SME 20/2A???

Cipherjuris,
I know this is off topic, but as the thread is starting to discuss improvements to an analog front end, could you please elaborate about how exactly the Loricraft improved your sound? I currently use a VPI 16.5 and though it is loud, it does clean the record. I guess the point is that everything from the cleaning thru to the interconnects leaving the phonostage should be thought of as a "system".

Peterayer,

I certainly agree with your point that "everything from the cleaning thru to the interconnects leaving the phonostage should be thought of as a [vinyl] 'system'."

I have had for many years a Nitty Gritty record cleaner. It was certainly a great improvement over my previous ineffectual efforts to clean vinyl going back to my pre-high school days. However, results with the Nitty Gritty were well short of perfect.

I have not owned a VPI 16.5. However, this past year when I re-committed myself to vinyl (we had replaced our old transport & DAC with an Ayre C-5xe and my wife was arguing that we should get rid of the TT and sell our vinyl) and decided that the time to replace the Nitty Gritty was long overdue, a local dealer was kind enough to clean 10 of my most treasured Mercuries, Shaded Dogs and Ray Charles albums with his 16.5. The result was a decided improvement over my old Nitty Gritty, but still far from the level of improvement I was seeking.

I continued to seek advice from some of those whose knowledge, objectivity and opinions on analog matters I greatly respected. Their advice was to swallow hard and part with the big bucks to get a Loricraft. I did so reluctantly, but from the first record I cleaned with it, I was and continue to be very happy with my purchase. Most of my LPs are now as quiet as my CDs, as difficult as that may be to believe. I would recommend the Loricraft to anyone who has a substantial investment in vinyl and plans to continue to play it. I am very confident that the Loricraft will not only allow you to enjoy to a far greater degree the sonic wonders of your valuable collection but will also be a much better partner in helping you to preserve it for future generations.

Good listening,

Ed

You were not specific about the type of sound you like such as very warm (Koetsu) or very open anc clear (Lyra). I have the same table with a Phantom arm and love the sound with a Lyra Titan. This is a very non colored sound which is very detailed and smooth. This is what I like. Other friends prefer the warmer sound of a Koetsu. I have not used other brands of cartridges for many years now so I can't comment on them. If you are purchasing an expensive cartridge then you should go to several dealers and listen to the various products out there. Trust your ears more than the opinions of others. Good luck!

Lyra would be very good, Try the Skala if you can get it. The titan is good, pricy but good.

Lyra Skala is amazing for the price.

Well, the winner is a Dynavector XV-1. I got a chance to hear almst all of the mentioned cartridges (never could track down a ZYX), and though all were very, VERY good, in the end I preferred the tonal balance of Dynavectors. The ultimate nail in the coffin was Raul (many thanks for that Raul) pointing me in the direction of a killer deal on an XV-1. I spent a couple of hours setting the thing up last night, and while I am sure it's not perfect, it is close, and is a marked improvement over the 17DmkII. I did in fact get eveything I wanted - slightly firmer bass, better resolution, and a bit more output. Also, things are a little smoother up top.

In all fairness, I have gained a new appreciation for the abilities of the 17DmkII, it really does an outstanding job for it's price. But I certainly don't regret selling it to upgrade ;-)