2. analog
  3. 1104710066

Advice needed, MC cartridge for SpaceArm?

I own a Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm along with a ARC PH2 phono preamp and Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge.

I have been most satisfied with the above setup for about a 1 and 1/2 years, rarely listening to CDs anymore. This is my first vinyl setup in 20 years. Now, I have come down with upgraditis. (uh oh)

Have decided to upgrade the PH2 to ARC's new PH5 phono preamp. This will allow me to try a MC cartridge for the first time. Question is, which one? My system is heavy in tubes, tubed PreAmp (Ref 1) and tubed monoblock amps (Rogue M120s Magnum) Speakers are Soundlab electrostats.

I am leaning towards the Shelters 501 or 901 based on internet research but have not ruled anything out. My listening preferences are Classical / Orchestral first. Behind that would be Jazz/Country/rock/pop / whatever all equally weighted. Any ideas as to the MC cartridge that is the best choice? Would like to keep it under 1500.00 It is unlikely that I will be able to audition most cartridges where I live.
tedvan

Showing 1 response by ozzy62

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,285 posts
 
Bombaywalla is correct that I do love the L2. And I did try several other cartridges on the Spacedeck, but not on the Spacearm. I had a Bluenote Borromeo for a while and it did not like the Shelter 501 or the Kontrapunkt B. I finally ditched the arm because it was so finicky and bought a Spacearm. The only cartridge I have tried on it is the Benz, but this is a great match. I wish I had the opportunity to listen to the Shelter on the Spacearm, because this might have worked beautifully. Although the Spacearm is indeed a unipivot, it is somewhat stabilized at the pivot point, unlike most others of this design. I know 4yanx had this combo for a while, so hopefully he will join in on this.

Oz
More to discover