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I have a Superscoutmaster with JMW9 and love using Clearaudio cartridges with this set up. Currently I am using a Clearaudio Maestro with superb results. The cartridge has a healthy output, so gain is not an issue with most phono preamps set to MM. Personally, I do not buy used cartridges - I enjoy the high frequency sparkle of a fresh cartridge and peace of mind knowing that the tip is new. This is one item that I always buy fresh off the shelf. |
Both Benz and Dynavector match up with VPI very well. Others have reported good results with Shelter, though theoretically they are not as good a match. |
I am enjoying my Ortofon Jubilee very much with my Scoutmaster. I would highly recommend it. Best of luck |
I have had very good results with the Dynavectors. Used the 17D2MKII with my Scoutmaster and have used the 17D3 and now the XX-2 MKII with my Superscoutmaster. |
I've had very good results with the DV 20XH on a Scoutmaster/JMW 9. I currently have a Benz Micro Glider II M, though I am waiting on my preamp to come back from the shop for a tune up so I can break in the cart. Preliminary results are less background noise with the Benz as well as a more recessed soundstage. The Dyna seems to be more forward with greater inner detail. Not a completely fair comparison yet though. YMMV. |
My dad runs the Benz (Ace? $600), I gave him a Dyna 20L incase he ever needs it, may look higher in the Benz line but it sounds really good on his Scoutmaster. |
Thank you all for your insights. I am going to purchase a Benz Micro M2 Wood and will post a follow-up after everything gets hooked up.....which may take a little while. Seasoned, I am buying it new. All of the cartridges mentioned have gotten great reviews. Seems like there has been quite a renaissance in analog playback, and the cartridge technology in particular seems much improved along with everything else. Thank you again for taking the time to respond. |
I went from a Grado Sonata to a Benz Ebony... WOW - what a difference. Its as though the Grado was broken |
Hey Tom, what differences did you hear between the 17D2 and the 17D3. I have been using the 17D2 on my scoutmaster with the signature arm since I've had it (about a year and a half). I was just wondering since I will have to replace the cartridge at some point here in the future. |
I have a Scoutmaster with JMW9 and a Dyna 20X-S.V. 1.0 mv and it is just awesome. |
Lyra Helikon on JMW 10.5 is perfect. |
I ahve a Scout with Scoutmaster platter and motor, and use a Dynavector XX-2 mk2. Very sweet cartridge. |
If you want a stabil and calm presentation the Grado Statement is a good match, tracking is superb. But if you want more dynamics and resolution Benz LP is a very good match.
The best tonality would be the Kuzma KC3, but it lacks a litle bit of dynamic if you compare the Benz LP, but it's more dynamic than Grado Statement. |
I've had a lot of great years with Dynavector/VPI together, but the Shelter 501 mk2 is in another league for transparency at the cost of dynamics. I find it more musical.
Koetsu Rosewood Standard and Grado Reference cartridges should be arriving soon, too. |
Ghunter, any concerns on the compliance of the Koetsu with the JMW arm? I was curious about a Koetsu with my JMW9-Sig but was under the impression that the low compliance might be an isuue? |
Honestly, I didn't look into that beforehand. In doing some research now it seems like the Koetsu is Medium-Low and not low. VPI recommends a cartridge with a compliance over 10, and I think the Koetsu cartridges are still in this range.
I will definitely research this more before even opening the package. Thanks! |
