@skyscraper I would recommend getting away from VPI, and I would not invest in their mods (dual pivot). I have owned three VPI tables over a 12 year period, and my opinion is VPI's engineering is half baked at best. Their manufacturing and quality assurance is also a far cry from what a high end turntable manufacturer should be offering. My current table is a Classic Signature with Benz Ruby Z. When I upgrade (hopefully this year) I will be going with a Kleos as well, but I'll be looking to pair with a German Made table like AMG or Dr Feickert. I wouldn't waste your money on the dual pivot mod. It is another half baked mod and more hassle than it's worth. If I were you, I would enjoy the Kleos on your table as-is, and start planning to get away from VPI. The fact that your table is on a marble slab is helping to mitigate the uni-pivot shortcomings. If you want to invest further, get a HRS platform. You may find the HRS platform helps with draining airborne energy and will help keep energy in your rack from getting up to the turntable. That should keep your uni-pivot arm more stable. My 2C's. Take it or leave it - I'm good either way.
Hana Umami Red or Lyra Kleos?
I’ve found out about two or three cartridges in my price range of $3000 -$4000 that should work well within the limitations of my Luxman 505uX Mk II’s built in phono stage. The other cartridge is the Soundsmith "The Voice" MI cartridge. Next I’ve had to figure out which are also compatible with my VPI Classic 2’s JMW 10.5i tonearm (with or without the VPI two pivot mod).
I’ve been informed off my short list, the Hana Umani Red and the Lyra Kleos both appear to have the right specs to be appropriate candidates for use with the VPI JMW 10.5i, However the Soundsmith "The Voice" would have weight and/or compliance issues.
Have any of you advice as to which of either the Hana Umami Red or Lyra Kleos MC cartridges you might prefer? I’m pretty sure these are both excellent choices, but may have some differences you might be able to point out, I’m a bit disappointed the Soundsmith "The Voice" might not match up well with the VPI JMW 10.5i tonearm, but so it goes. Thanks for any advice and sharing your experience with either of these cartridges.
Mike