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Help choosing a new cartridge

Could someone with a little more knowledge than myself help me choose a new cartridge in the $500 range? I've got a VPI Scout and a EAR 834P phono pre. The 834P is low MC capable, but I don't know what the loading or any of that stuff is on it so I don't know what kind of low MC will work well with it. I've posted my system if you want to see what else I'm working with. I play mostly rock music, but more of the indie rock variety than the hard rock or classic rock variety. I'd like something musical with a full bottom end.

Thanks.
sinisterporpoise68
islandmandan
848 posts
 
Hello Sinister,
You might consider something in the Dynavector line, a DV10X5, DV20XL, or used DV17D3. For an even bigger improvement, order a MintLP arc protractor, (now $110), and find out how your analog front end is supposed to really sound.
Check out the thread on MintLP, you might decide that should be your next purchase instead of a new cartridge.

Good luck, and enjoy,

Dan


sinisterporpoise68 OP
63 posts
 
Thanks Islandmandan, I've been reading through that thread on the MintLP and it does seem like a worthwhile purchase.

On the cartridge, I see a lot of people like the Dynavectors on VPI tables. I could probably swing a DV20XL, but I'm wondering if it will match well with my phono pre?
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
ditch the notion of mc, and get an AT 150...spend the balance on records.
stevecham
3,298 posts
 
I had a Shelter 501 mk2 on a MM7 running through an EAR834P and this was great sounding. Then I traded up to a Lyra Argo i and the sound improved considerably; the Lyra is a much better tracker. How about a Dorion? Also I used to enjoy a Benz Glider M2 on a VPI HW19 with good results. A little more than $500 perhaps but these will make your table and phono pre shine. The load on the 834P is fixed at 500 Ohms.
tfkaudio
589 posts
 
Do you have the JMW9 standard or signature model? The JMW9 standard has an effective mass of 7.7g and the signature model's effective mass is 9.5g. Makes a big difference in terms of cartridge compatibility.
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