Cart match for OL Silver/Sota Sapphire/PH-1


I'm looking into a cart upgrade (I'm currently running a Virt Wood). I have a budget capped @ $1K.
I'd like to move into an MC and have been considering the following:
Transfiguration Spirit
Koetsu Black
Lyra Argo
Ortofon Kontrapunkt B
Shelter 501/901

I listen mostly to acoustic jazz with some rock (indie/classic/acoustic) & classical thrown in for good measure.

My current setup (V-Wood/OL Silver/Sota Star Sapphire /AcousTec PH-1) gives me great detail, but it's lacking in depth and bottom end... it doesn't really put me "there." My VTA sets the arm parallel w/ the record surface, and tracking is set just a hair under 2 grams. The PH-1 is set @ the factory MM settings (42dB/47k).

I have used the 501 in my system, but it was thru a different phono stage (Phonomena) in a different listening environment. I was impressed, but I'm on the fence about giving it another run.

Has anyone had experience w/ any of the above carts on an OL Silver arm? Any suggestions/recommendations for a cart upgrade? Thanks in advance!!!

Hat
hatfield

Showing 1 response by hatfield

Thanks for the responses.

I did try the 501 on my system, but it was in a different house, with a different system rack, different room size, different phono pre... and, to be honest, the cart was most likely not set up for optimum performance.

I am considering giving it another run, as I don't think I gave it a fair shot. I've also been thinking the 901 could be an interesting option as well. It's unfortunate that carts are not really widely available for "in-home" demo. I'm not thrilled about blind faith purchases, but it seems that I don't have too much choice.

I'm sure once I get the HI-FI mod set up, it will give me that "weight" I'm craving in my playback.

If anyone knows where I may find a deal on a Shelter, please let me know. I have seen them pop up on a-gon, so I've been keeping my eyes open; but if there's another option (outside of paying full retail), I'd appreciate any insight.

Best,
Hat