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LOMC... phono stage okay, but which cart?

I ordered a Graham Slee Reflex and Elevator in order to have a LOMC-compatible phono stage. I have a MM cartridge, but want to buy a LOMC. My budget is around $1-1.5K. I desire a cartridge with nicely balanced tonal quality, yet with punch/dynamics and articulation. I listen mostly to 70's-80's rock and some jazz/fusion. On the radar so far is the Dynavector 17D3 'Karat' and the Ortofon Kontrapunkt B. My tonearm is an OL Encounter with 14.5g effective mass. According to my calcs, either of these cartridges would work theoretically, even though the Dyna is really light and the Ortofon is fairly heavy. According to reviews and forum posts, both of these cartridges have the sonic qualities I desire. What are some other cartridges in this price range to consider that will likely work well in my tonearm?
rockinrobin

Showing 2 responses by johnbrown

johnbrown
195 posts
 
Amazing...or...something. I too was going to suggest trying to stretch the budget a bit for the XX2. The 17D3 is a good cart, but the times I've heard it, it seemed a little 'hotter' than the usual DV sound.

If you like the house sound, the XX2 is a cartridge that would be difficult to beat at any price.
johnbrown
195 posts
 
Thanks 'Tom hankins', you described the differences better than I could have. Right on the money.
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