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Cartridge For Audio Note TT1 and Michell Tecnoarm

I'm currently using an Audio Note IQ1 cartridge with my Audio Note TT1 and Michell Tecnoarm turntable, and running it through the built-in phono stage in a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum. I'm mostly pleased with the set-up but wonder if I could get significant improvement out of replacing the cartridge or stylus.

My budget is ~$500, and I'm leaning towards these options: Dynavector 10x5, (NOS) SAE 1000LT or just replacing the stylus with an Audio Note IQ2. (I'm also open to other suggestions, though if it's to get a new phono pre it's not really what I'm looking to do.) Anyone with some experience with a similar set-up?

I mainly listen to 70-80s rock, current indie and electronic, 60-70s reggae and soul, by the way.
shumazing
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shumazing OP
25 posts
 
The only thing I'm concerned with about the 10x5 is its tracking on a very sensitive suspension TT, like the AN. Any experience with it on a suspension TT?

Hmm, I was afraid you were going to say to look at a separate phono stage.... I've read great things about the Phonomena but don't know much about the Seduction, and both are around my budget. I'm both intrigued by the look of the Seduction but a bit intimidated by building a kit, since I've never tried it -- any experience with it as well?
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shumazing OP
25 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. Comparing the Phonomena, Stealth and GCHP, which is likely the most tube-like, warm and romantic vs precise and analytical? And is the Stealth such a jump from the phono stage in the Cronus Magnum?

The things that put me off the Cronus Magnum's phono stage is the tiny bit of grain in the upper-mids, slight dryness and it can loose its composure a bit in more complicated passages. What it does well is the precise holographic imaging, soundstage, lows to mids, nice tone and balance. Would any of these three other phono stages improve the imperfections while still letting the Rogue shine in the areas it does well?
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shumazing OP
25 posts
 
I took the plunge and got an Avid Pellar phono preamp that I found as a demo and got a nice deal. It's still breaking in after about 10 hours and the difference is pretty substantial already. As opposed to the phono stage in the Cronus, the sound is significantly more dynamic, detailed and delicate at the same time. Even the slight harshness in the upper-mid to lower-treble band is mostly dealt with (though some giant windows on the back wall without curtains are the likely culprit). Not to completely diss the Cronus phono stage, it's OK; it's just the Pellar is much better. Thanks for putting me in the new phono pre direction, rather than going straight for a new cartridge. I'm very pleased.
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