2. analog
  3. 1214659530

2K-3K Cartridge for SME10/BAT VK-P10SE superpak

I am on the last step of upgrading my analog front end. I am using SME 10 with M10 tonearm (part of performance package, similar to SME 309) with a BAT VK-P10 SE with superpak phonostage. I am currently using a Dynavector 20XL (output 0.25mV) using the step-up transformer in the BAT. Rest of the system is cardas golden reference tonearm cable (currently being reterminated with XLR connectors by Cardas), Golden reference balanced ICs, BAT VK-300x SE integrated amp, cardas neutral reference speaker cable in internal biwire configuration, and Aerial 7bs. I listen to rock and small combo Jazz (Blue Notes, Coltrane, Bill Evans, Miles Davis). My listening priorities are a very dynamic, full range sound with extended, well-controlled bass, wide soundstage, and likely err on the side of a touch of warmth. I want to avoid forward sounding highs and am very sensitive to excessive sibilance. I have no complaints with the Dynavector, but can't help but wonder what a more expensive cartridge would bring. Cartridges I am considering based on reviews and forums are

Sumiko Celebration II (based on several SME users recommendations)
Dynavector XX2 Mk II (I love my Dynavector)
Lyra Helikon or Helikon SL
Lyra Skala (this would be a stretch of my budget)
Ortofon Jubilee

Thanks for your suggestions.
sdrenslow

Showing 7 responses by sdrenslow

sdrenslow OP
65 posts
 
John,

Thanks for the sage advice. I have thought about upgrading the tonearm. The upgrade to the tonearm would be easier if I was able to sell the M10 tonearm. However, due to its unique mounting, it would be difficult to use with any other table besides the SME10 and therefore would likely be difficult to sell. The tonearm I have has the optional damping trough. That, the silver cartridge leads and the Cardas tonearm cable may slightly close the gap with the Model IV and V tonearms.

Kurt,

I have purchased virtually my entire audio system off audiogon, but am very reluctant to purchase a cartridge second hand due to uncertainty with how many hours the cartridge has been used, despite the users best guess. Certainly something to think about and it would let me step into something I otherwise couldn't afford (much like the rest of my audio system!).

Scott
sdrenslow OP
65 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. If I were to buy a cartridge second hand, I would want to ensure I was purchasing from the original owner. I might lean towards purchasing a Lyra second hand due to the the generous trade-in offer (e.g. $1000 towards a Skala).
As for the Zyz Airy 3- I would not have the opportunity to audition in my system before purchasing. I read the review by Art Dudley in Stereophile- he concludes that he prefers the Ortofon Jubilee or Helikon SL (both on my short list) for a bit less money!
Any comments regarding the Ortofon Jubilee or Sumiko Celebration?

Thanks again,

Scott
sdrenslow OP
65 posts
 
Update. I have spent more time with my system over the past week. I have had many signficant changes to my analog front end, moving from a Rega P9 to the SME 10, then putting the SME 10 on a Gingko audio platform, and replacing my Dynavector P75 phono stage with the BAT and changing the innerconnects from old Monster Cable to cardas golden reference. I would describe the sound as very pleasing, but overly warm, smooth and laid back/distant. I either need to change something in the set-up, or need to consider a more lively sounding cartridge (perhaps the smoothness and warmth of the dynavector/BAT/cardas/aerial products is too much of a good thing?! Any comments?
sdrenslow OP
65 posts
 
John,

Thanks for the post. My previous post is a bit of an exaggeration to make a point. I think a cartridge that tends towards the smooth or warm side may push the system too far in that direction. I do have the damping trough- I will experiment with taking the screw all the way out. The system is very satisfying- the complete antithesis of a fatiguing system. I think a slightly more lively or "cool" cartridge would be a synergistic fit. I am getting incredible soundstaging and imaging, a significant improvement in separation of voices and instrumental lines, and a more believable tonality with the new phonostage. Using the step-up transformer at the 12dB gain setting, I am getting excellent dynamics and very deep bass response. I have made some minor adjustments in speaker placement that have smoothed out the bass response further.

Scott
sdrenslow OP
65 posts
 
I had the opportunity to purchase the Lyra Skala at a great price. I should be receiving the cartridge next week. I will post listening impressions after I have had it installed in my system for a while. Thanks to all who posted above. Jfrech, any tips on installation or settings with the BAT?

Scott
sdrenslow OP
65 posts
 
I received the cartridge (Lyra Skala) yesterday and was up until 2:00AM installing it. I know, probably not advisable, but I didn't manage to break anything! After 2 hours of listening, initial impressions: a lighter, airier sound. There seems to be better delineation in the high frequency range (such as cymbals), more air around instruments, a more three dimensional image to individual instruments, and a better sense of depth. The cartridge (at least the way I have it set up right now and without break-in) seems to be somewhat leaner than the dynavector. This seems to be just what I am looking for... initial impressions very favorable!
sdrenslow OP
65 posts
 
John,

Please see my post on 7-3-08. I found my system overly smooth, distant and warm once I had a chance to listen to it after having made all of the changes to my front end (turntable, phonostage, interconnects). My goals for my system as a whole are "dynamic, full range, extended, well-controlled bass, wide sound stage, and likely err on the side of a touch of warmth..." The faster, leaner sound of the Lyra seems to have balanced out the overly smooth, warm character I noted earlier. I now have a more detailed sound, but no sense of excessive sibilance or piercing/overly bright/fatiguing highs. I am hoping the bass fills in a little as the cartridge breaks in. I had a chance to purchase the Skala new at the price of the other cartridges I was considering and decided to take the plunge...so far, so good...
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