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Help Please: What Cartridge?

I am on an upgrade path in anolog front end and could use some feedback. I have a VPI MK IV, which I am upgrading to the new HR-X bearing and platter. I also am waiting on a JMW 10 arm I purchased on Augiogon. Previously I had a Rega Planar 3 with Dynavector 10X4 MK II, which I sold off. I am not sure if I made a wise decision selling the Dynavector but I was so impressed with this cartridge I wanted to get more. Other than a Denon DL103, which I had before my current system (ver low end so the true capability of this cartridge was never known to me), the Dyna was the only cartridge that I have heard (sorry I did own an AKG cartridge way back on a pioneer direct drive turntable but we won't talk about that) so I really don't know what various cartridges will sound like and am stuck trying to decide. The other problem is whether I should stick with high output MC or go low output and add a transformer. Is there really that much difference between the two? The Dynavector seamed fine to me but again I don't know what I am missing. Seams to me you may loose any advantage you may have gained in the low output cartridges by the addition of another component such as the step up and cables. My current system consists of VTL TT25 monblocks, Coincident Super Eclipse speakers, Rogue Audio Magnum 99 with phono and upgraded to premium GE NOS and Mullard NOS, Wireworld Silver Eclipse III speaker cables, Peirre Gabriel ML1 silver interconnects and Foundation Research line conditioners. My digital is Pioneer DV-09 (temporary), which I don't listen to much. Incidentally I had a Cary 303/200 but returned it to build my analog because my Rega setup sounded better!! Any help would be appreciated. The cartridges I have considered are Dyna 20HX,Karat 17, Benz Micro H2, Shelters, Grados, Clearaudio Virtuosso and Lyra Helikon. I listen mostly to Classical, Jazz and pop in that order. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
talentkeeper
talentkeeper OP
9 posts
 
Psychicanimal. Thanks for your input. I am after the most natural and lifelike sound reproduction that allows you to forget you are listening to components and just enjoy the music. I am not a believer that you have to spend a ton of money to get it. Maybe I'm asking for too much! Nevertheless, there must be some audio 'truth' that one can discern. Why do you think I sould not go the low output route?

Regards,

Talentkeeper
ivanj
640 posts
 
There are a lot of good low output cartridges but you will either need a transformer or a preamp. If you like the Dynavector sound I would go with the Dynavector transformer. I have owned a number of LO Dyna which I liked very much. Right now I am using an Ikeda Rex which to my ears is the best cartridge I have ever auditioned by a quantum leap. "But it takes time to love...and open minds to love...and who's got time on their hands?" (M.Balin)
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Low output MCs have unbelievably low outputs. Don't be misled by their output specs. Output specs must go accompanied by velocity. The output of the very low level ambient information is REALLY low. Such a signal is extremely delicate, highly succeptible to induced noise, vibration and overall degradation. In other words, successfully handling low output MCs is not cheap.

If you want, as you say, to forget about the recording, you can do very well with a high output MC or a moving magnet. Sean is very fond of his Stanton 881S and I just love my modded Stanton Groovemaster II, both MM designs. Since it broke in I haven't had the need to go back to my Ortofon X5 high output MC. The X5 is Ortofon's best high output MC, a great tracker, very neutral sounding, extremely musical cartridge suitable for all types of music. My modded Groovemaster II does not have the high frequency extension nor the soundstage of the X5 but it's sooo more musical and an even better tracker!

Keeping the noise floor under control and having good trackability is essential for retrieving low level information. That's where the ambience lies. The fact that you liked the Dynavector for classical reflects that's what you're looking for.

Who knows, you might even end up with a modded 1200 like Zaikesman and yours truly!!!
talentkeeper OP
9 posts
 
Psychicanimal. Thanks for your input. What you say makes sense. From all of the feedback I have received it seams LO have their advantages but require substantial more finess and expense in achieving their potential, whereas the HO may give you very good performance without the complexity. Now the question is: Does anyone have an opinion as to the best HO cartridge currently available, regardless of price?
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
You're welcome. I think TWL is way more knowledgeable to help you choose a *compatible* cartridge. I don't trust his musical taste, though!!!

As I said, the Ortofon X5 is outstanding and it outperforms cartridgesd sevral times its price. The good new is you can get it from 2Juki for $125 vs $325 in Needledoctor. Grey market, of course...

If it was me, the next steps would be a Dynavector ($500) or a Benz ($800). Bill Parish told me there's a midlle of the line Linn cartridge that's ouperforming some multi thousand dollar pieces (www.gttgroup.com).

I'm very happy with my modded Groovemaster II and it was designed to be an integrated headshell design for my modded 1200. More money in my pocket for room acoustric treatments and some really decent interconnects.
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