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Shortlist of best cartridges with VPI

I'm trading up to a VPI Super Scoutmaster Signature and need a shortlist of best cartridges to consider with it. I have an Ayre K-1xe preamp, Levinson 20.5 mono blocks, Wilson Sophia 1s with current version Transparent reference cables on an SRA craz rack. My tastes in music are wide: pop, rock, folk, jazz & classical. Collection includes a number of early pressing 50s and early 60s Mercury Living Presence and RCA Living Stereo, as well as some Jazz and Rock albums from same period.
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sdatch
204 posts
 
I have had good results with Benz Micro - currently I am pleased with the M2 with Aries/JMW 12 combo.
sberger
146 posts
 
i've used a shelter 501, a dynvector 20 xl, and a benz glider on my scout and now scoutmaster signature, but nothing has brought me more enjoyment that the sumiko celebration. incredibly easy to set up and very non fussy, it is by far the most musical cart i've ever heard. it has allowed me to stop listening to my system and start enjoying my music once again. i don't think i've ever read anyone say anything bad about it.
stltrains
845 posts
 
was using the 20xl, now a zyx airy 3 x sb, both worked fine
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
I'm happy with a ZYX Airy 3S-SB on my 12.6 arm mounted on a TNT6-HR table. For those who listen to rock, the Airy 3 might be the best fit of the ZYX line. You would definitely want the SB weight. As for silver vs. copper, read the archives and talk to Mehran at Sorasound.
Another great choice is the Cardas Heart, which is a modified Benz LP. This is what Bobby from Merlin uses in his table that has been regularly praised at CES. Cheers,
Spencer
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
I'm using S/Scoutmaster w/val wiring with Ayre k1ze, v1xe and Vandersteen 5A's. My cartridge of choice is Benz Ebony. Enjoy
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