@ninetynine If you could only keep one of those, which one & why? Cheers,
Spencer
Spencer
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
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