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Help Please: What Cartridge?

I am on an upgrade path in anolog front end and could use some feedback. I have a VPI MK IV, which I am upgrading to the new HR-X bearing and platter. I also am waiting on a JMW 10 arm I purchased on Augiogon. Previously I had a Rega Planar 3 with Dynavector 10X4 MK II, which I sold off. I am not sure if I made a wise decision selling the Dynavector but I was so impressed with this cartridge I wanted to get more. Other than a Denon DL103, which I had before my current system (ver low end so the true capability of this cartridge was never known to me), the Dyna was the only cartridge that I have heard (sorry I did own an AKG cartridge way back on a pioneer direct drive turntable but we won't talk about that) so I really don't know what various cartridges will sound like and am stuck trying to decide. The other problem is whether I should stick with high output MC or go low output and add a transformer. Is there really that much difference between the two? The Dynavector seamed fine to me but again I don't know what I am missing. Seams to me you may loose any advantage you may have gained in the low output cartridges by the addition of another component such as the step up and cables. My current system consists of VTL TT25 monblocks, Coincident Super Eclipse speakers, Rogue Audio Magnum 99 with phono and upgraded to premium GE NOS and Mullard NOS, Wireworld Silver Eclipse III speaker cables, Peirre Gabriel ML1 silver interconnects and Foundation Research line conditioners. My digital is Pioneer DV-09 (temporary), which I don't listen to much. Incidentally I had a Cary 303/200 but returned it to build my analog because my Rega setup sounded better!! Any help would be appreciated. The cartridges I have considered are Dyna 20HX,Karat 17, Benz Micro H2, Shelters, Grados, Clearaudio Virtuosso and Lyra Helikon. I listen mostly to Classical, Jazz and pop in that order. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
talentkeeper

Showing 6 responses by talentkeeper

talentkeeper OP
9 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your thoughtful responses. I am still having a hard time making up my mind. Don't know whether to stick to HO or go LO with step up transformer. Buying cartridges gotta be the most frustration thing. No one will let you audition one! A person could literally go crazy thinking about this. Thanks again. Any further comments or suggestions will be welcomed.
talentkeeper OP
9 posts
 
Psychicanimal. Thanks for your input. I am after the most natural and lifelike sound reproduction that allows you to forget you are listening to components and just enjoy the music. I am not a believer that you have to spend a ton of money to get it. Maybe I'm asking for too much! Nevertheless, there must be some audio 'truth' that one can discern. Why do you think I sould not go the low output route?

Regards,

Talentkeeper
talentkeeper OP
9 posts
 
Psychicanimal. Thanks for your input. What you say makes sense. From all of the feedback I have received it seams LO have their advantages but require substantial more finess and expense in achieving their potential, whereas the HO may give you very good performance without the complexity. Now the question is: Does anyone have an opinion as to the best HO cartridge currently available, regardless of price?
talentkeeper OP
9 posts
 
Thank you Psychicanimal. I will strongly consider your advise. Who is TLW?
talentkeeper OP
9 posts
 
Rockinroni. Thanks for your comments. What do you think is required as a minimum in step-up transformers and cables to not degrade the sound of the low output cartridges then? Is there a cost effective product that will allow you to get all the benefits of low output MC? By the way I have read Arthur Salvatore's site and find it very intriguing. Accorging to him it sounds like you have to spend some really big bucks to get the best out of Low output cartridges.
TWL. I have heard a lot about you since joining Audiogon. Your insight into this would be much appreciated. I posted this request on another thread (VPI experiment)
talentkeeper OP
9 posts
 
Thank you Twl. Oh how much I would love to audition cartridges but so far I haven't had anyone willing to let me do that!! All my components were purchased by auditioning them first or with a money back guarantee. Seems like no one wants to do that with a cartridge. It's understandable in a way. I gather from your advice that medium compliance cartridges are the way to go. Thanks again.
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