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How Do Left & Right Brains Like AT ART9 vs Dynavectors 17D3, XX2, XX2mkII vs Ortofons

So I'm trying to decide on a new primary MC cart to be used with a newly acquired Technics EPA-250 arm on SP10mkII. Rest of my system is Sound Lab A3, Lamm hybrid amps, BAT line stage, Aqvox balanced phono stage. My point of reference is completely different, a now departed VPI TNT6HR, 12.7arm & van den Hul Colibri XGP.  Details here: https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/133. I'll also have a Technics 205CII as a backup/alternative. 

My conundrum is partially a left-brain vs. right-brain thing. When I demo gear in a store, show, or friends place often the left-brain takes control; ears pointed up, analyzing details, mind focusing on pinpoint imaging etc. & I tend to notice all the things often mentioned in reviews. Home listening sometimes is similar, especially when actively trying to evaluate the sound of a pressing, a new component or adjustment, etc. This brain drinks lots of coffee. On the other hand, my right-brain drinks cabernet or single malt. It likes the lights low. In this relaxed state, the musical side of things should take over with rhythm, pitch and cohesiveness taking precedence. It seems that when I can chill in this state I get less hifi and more musical emotion. Perhaps this side of things is the key to long term satisfaction?

I hope to choose a cartridge that retains neutral timbre & dynamic capabilities that give me goosebumps and the ability to sense the depth of body and woodiness with cello or acoustic guitar, the sound emerging from within a 3D instrument not a flat space in the soundstage. Can I get this while still having a relaxed enough sound to feed the right-brain?
When I compare items like these cartridges, part of me craves plenty of detail, a strength of my previously owned Colibri and before that ZYX Airy3B. I know the Colibri can be a bit hot and ruthless on the treble perhaps a bit etched on imaging; like High Def TV when you wish you didn't see every pore on the newscaster's face. So I am trying to get away from that. But, if I choose one of the more laid back cartridges will I be missing enough transparency and the ability to focus on one instrument in the mix when I choose? 

Last night I had the privilege to demo both XX2 & ART9 in a friends' state of the art system including custom built audio room with Evolution Acoustics MM3s, Spectral electronics and a fully tricked out SL1200 with Transfi Terminator T3Pro arm with quickly switchable wands to allow cartridge A/B. XX2 is the top end or possibly over budget, so I am mentally trying to interpret it when considering 17D3 or even DV20X-L, as I don't have a chance to compare those directly. Both sounded excellent and I'm sure I could live with either, so I am probably splitting hairs. Nonetheless I'd like to get maximum satisfaction within budget and get something that makes me want to listen to "just one more album..." again & again.

So in this context, those of you who've heard more than one of the cartridges mentioned please share your experiences in terms of the strengths & weaknesses of each, especially over time for owners. I already read the threads from last year or two about the ART9. Ortofons like Jubilee, Kontrapunkt(s) are also of interest. 

Cheers,
Spencer
128x128sbank

Showing 3 responses by hdm

hdm
1,056 posts
 
Spencer: As well as looking at arm/cartridge compatibility I would also seriously consider cartridge/phono stage matching with your Aqvox, particularly if you are running into the balanced inputs which I would expect you would be. 

I have the Aqvox as well and find that (as was reported in a number of reviews when the Aqvox first came out) that it tends to work better with MC cartridges with low internal impedances (think 3-7 ohms). Aqvox in fact recommends and sells cartridges which appear to be very closely related to the Ortofon MC 20 Super/MC 30 Super line of years ago, so many of the Ortofons (or other manufacturers' cartridges with a similarly low internal impedance) with internal impedance of around 5 ohms would probably mate very well with the Aqvox. 

Something to consider anyway if you have the opportunity to listen to some different cartridges. 
hdm
1,056 posts
 
Yes, Spencer. Vinylengine uses the term output impedance; Dynavector uses the term "DC Resistance" in their specifications so you might find different wording on this spec depending on where you are looking. Most of the low output Dynas would be good as they seem to be 5 ohms.  

Particularly if you have the chance to audition different cartridges, it will be interesting to see how you fare with those with low internal impedance as the Aqvox, by most accounts, seems to be at its best and maximize cartridge performance with that kind of a design. That is my experience with it as well. 
hdm
1,056 posts
 
Correction: that should have read some the low output Dynas would be good as many have higher resistance/impedance as well. 
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