Sorry I just can't get past the fact that you think the table doesn't matter and that a 400.00 pioneer sounds as good as a VPI Scoutmaster AND that you are willing to strap a 5,000.00 used cart to the end of the latter to achieve best sound.
Looking for the best moving coil cart that is around $5K used
I currently have a Dynavector drt xvs1 and am looking to upgrade. In my experience, the TT has little to do with the sound. I have a $400 Pioneer PL 71, and It gives me just as good of sound a my VPI-Scoutmaster . I’m looking for a used moving coil cart around $5K. I like clear sound, not too bright, but very articulate and good tight bottom end. Please give your suggestions and why. BTW my phono preamp is a Rhea Signature with new low noise tubes. Sounds great, just looking for the elusive unicorn
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+1 With $5K buy new and any benefits that come with being the original owner. As a result of Benz Micro upgrade offers over the years I now have a Benz Ruby Z hanging off a $300, since restored, Well Tempered Classic. Of course the turntable matters, everything matters, but on the way up starting with a great cartridge allows one to experience turntable differences to a greater degree. High end reviewers are always trying a price wise mismatched cartridge with the turntable under review and often with interesting results. Its your set Handy go for it! |
Five grand is a lot to waste on a $400 turntable. I believe also that if neither of your cartridges is doing the job for you, you don't have them set up correctly. Cartridge/arm set up is rather an exacting science, until you can master it, no amount of money thrown at cartridges will make a difference. I believe you are also off base with the statement that the table doesn't make a difference. I don't believe $20,000+ has to be spent to get a worthwhile difference, but a better table and arm will definitely make for an improvement. I went from a VPI Scout Signature to Garrard 401 with a Dynavector arm, all bought used and restored and set up on a DIY basis, and using a Zu Denon 103R cart (which is a $250 moving coil with improvements by Zu Audio), is worlds above the performance of the VPI, even when using a $1950 Dynavector XX2MKII cartridge. Nothing more to add, except that in vinyl reproduction, knowledge is king, the more you learn, the better your rig will sound. Best of luck, Dan |
http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Cartridges.html ZYX Universe II X - is also a great cartridge. I upgraded from the XV-1S - huge difference in detail. |
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