2. analog
  3. 1125338188

Great cartridge mate for SME lV arm

I've got the Benz M2 cartridge in my system now. It renders detail well and adds little to the sound. I'm actually looking for a MC cartridge with a little more punch. I hear the Shelter 901 is nice, but I am not certain how it would work with my arm and I wouldn't mind hearing from others before popping the money out. I have it all mounted on an Oracle MKV table.
Any helpful suggestions or comments would be appreciated.
TIA,
David
rolloff

Showing 7 responses by rauliruegas

rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Rolloff: I agree with Cincy bob about the XV-1.
It do a good match with the SME IV, is the price is no object then go for it.

There are other very good alternatives for what you are looking for, like: Shelther 90X and Sumiko Celebration.

Have a good /fun hunting.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear David: Sorry, what do you mean with: wt?

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Cincy: Now I can understand.

2.2 is the maximum VTF that recomended Dynavector on its specs. This is the VTF that I usually use it.

Like a month ago an Auiogoner send me and e-mail to ask somethings about and he send me a link where some guys are using 2.6 ( like you told ) and 2.7 grs.

My reaction was if this high VTF put out of centered the coils and some damage ( in the medium/long run time )to the suspension, so I send an e-mail to Dynavector and their answer was: " the safe range can be up to 2.5 grs ".

Since then I'm using 2.4 and I'm very happy with it. Recomended !!!!!

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear David: +++++ " I send an e-mail to Dynavector and their answer was: " the safe range can be up to 2.5 grs ". " +++++

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear David: +++++ " I know I could put a step up transformer in place, " +++++

Please don't do that, you ruin the lovely XV-1 quality sound.
If you don't have the gain for the Dyna then go for the 90X: good option.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear David: Good choice. You will be happy with what the 90X has to offer to your music.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Jtimothya: The 90x like any cartridge could be re-tipped.

I own both cartridges and my vote is for the XV-1. At least mate better to my music priorities.

The 90x is a very good cartridge and a lot better than the 901 and not " bit forward ".

The differences against the XV-1 are: this one is better balanced top to bottom, it has a more natural presentation to the music and is the kind of cartridge that is not telling you " I'm here ", the music really " flow " through the XV-1. The XV-1 is a more refined cartridge than the 90x specially on classical music.. But you can't go wrong with either and both mate well with your SME tonearm.

Regards and enjoy the music.
raul.
More to discover