2. analog
  3. 981643748

Cartridge recs for VPI JMW arm Please

Hello all. I've recently decided to make a small jump into analog and have everything but a cartridge. I have an upgraded VPI Aries TT, JMW12 tonearm, BAT VK-5P phono pre. I'm looking for a couple of good recommendations for cartridges for this set-up. Budget is $1-2k new. I currently have a Crown Jewel SE that a friend will let me demo, but I'm concerned that the JMW12 may be too heavy for it. Please let me know if you think this cartridge will work as he will give it to me for dirt cheap.
metaphysics
rmaurin
74 posts
 
Metaphysics: I have not had the opportunity to listen to the Io with anything other than my Aries. So, I do not know if it is taking full advantage of it or not. All I can say is that the Aries/JMW and Io make an awesome combination.
metaphysics OP
192 posts
 
RMaurin: You're convincing me to take the Io off the market. Everyone else: Any more cartridge recs???
khrys
446 posts
 
With what line stage are you using the IO? I have heard it sound best driving mono SETs direct; expensively mediocre fronting numerous impedance-challenged, journal-endorsed excuses for a preamplifier.
metaphysics OP
192 posts
 
Khrys, I have a BAT VK-50SE pre with BAT VK-500 driving Dynaudio Confidence 5s. My Io doesn't have volume control and I also frequently use my SF T3/P3 digital front end so I'd like to keep my pre. Not sure if the VK-50SE falls under your description, but I love it with my digital!
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