$800 Cartridge Shootout and Upgrade Path



I am putting together an analog system, starting with the cartridge. I like a well-balanced sound with a slightly lush midrange and excellent extension at the frequency extremes. The cartridge should be a reasonably good tracker. Here are my choices:

1. Dynavector Karat 17D MkII
2. Shelter 501
3. Sumiko Black Bird
4. Grado Statement Master
5. Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood

Which one comes closest to my wish list? Which one would you choose?

Here are the upgrade cartridges to the above list, one of which would be purchased later:

1. Shelter 901
2. Benz Micro L2
3. Grado Statement Reference
4. Koetsu Black

Which one comes closest to my wish list? Which one would you choose?

Now, which turntable/tonearm combination (for new equipment up to $4,500) would you choose to handle a cartridge from the first group and the upgrade cartridge from the second group?

Any help you can provide is greatly welcomed. Thanks!
artar1

Showing 8 responses by flg2001

HI, my two cents here:

I own a Denon 103r, after having a Rega Elys, Cardas Heart, VdH 10MC and Linn K9. This cart is very musical, involving, well rounded and a great bargain.

I have heard many other great cartridges at some friends systems here, some sound better, but at x5 cost !

Fernando
Artar1 - Have you heard the 103g (gold)?, I do think it is the only up-scale cart besides my 103r (copper) from that model line, just courious....

Fernando
Artar1 - never heard a Shelter cart myself, but I am sure you are in the right track based on others opinions.

Fernando
Artar1 - My experience with tables is not as large as some others, I have had Linn (LP12 and Axis), Michel Gyro, Rega P3 and VPI HW19MKIV (current), as you can see those have a different suspension approach.

I have heard Acoustic Signature tables and sound fantastic, but not the Teres line. I feel keen towards mass loaded tables with proper shelves to control resonances (Nuance, Bright Star, Ginko, etc..), I am considering this tables, and would like to share the list with you:

1.- Avid (Diva or Volvere)
2.- Acoustic Solid (Check ETM coverage by S. Rochlin)
3.- The Bixx table (with optional battery PS)
4.- Wilson Benesch Act1

Unfortunatly I have added more variables to the equation instead of making it simple, but I think you are on time to pick and choose the best for you.

Fernando
I have not heard the last two odf this list, please keep that in mind.
Hi Guys!

I own a Denon 103r cartridge bought at Audiocubes2.com, service was fantastic and the cartridge was delivered to my office just in time and at the agreed pricing.

I don´t feel the urgent need to go for something more, eventhough I would like to have one of Raul´s top top carts, this is sounding really nice - agreed with TWL on the mark.

Fernando

Artar - Congratulations for your analog purchase, you will surely enjoy it.
Jim - I saw some days back a review of the Ginko stands. Those are new items AFAIK and not heard them personnaly, but looks like a promising design and sensible priced.

Fernando
CHris - Don´t feel bad if you want to sell your PASS preamp. I sold mine (X3 in this case) that did not meet my expectations considering other preamps I had at hand two months back. Now I live happy with a PLC Sonic Euphoria Passive Preamp.

Fernando