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Looking for the best moving coil cart that is around $5K used

I currently have a Dynavector drt xvs1 and am looking to upgrade. In my experience, the TT has little to do with the sound.  I have a $400 Pioneer PL 71, and It gives me just as good of sound a my VPI-Scoutmaster .  I’m looking for a used moving coil cart around $5K. I like clear sound, not too bright, but very articulate and good tight bottom end.  Please give your suggestions and why.  BTW my phono preamp is a Rhea Signature with new low noise tubes.  Sounds great, just looking for the elusive unicorn
handymann
perazzi28's avatar
perazzi28
231 posts
 
handymann

Nothing could be further from the truth that a TT has little to do with the sound.
The analog chain is much more complex than you are currently appreciating.  
Do yourself a favor and do some reading provided on this link: http://hifigem.com/
Mr. Merrill will debunk some misinformation which will potentially help you and most any other reader.
Lastly, don't purchase a used phono cartridge unless your goal is to own a cartridge that is no longer in production.  Why would you do that anyway???

luizfcoimbra's avatar
luizfcoimbra
25 posts
 
@handymann 

I would read @chakster and @atmasphere posts very carefully if I were you. Other than that, you already have a top notch MC cart, meaning that any change at this level is more a matter of taste and/or system matching. I'm guessing that you've never heard the XV1s performing at its best in your rig. 
luizfcoimbra's avatar
luizfcoimbra
25 posts
 
@handymann

I forgot to say: if you do decide to ignore @atmasphere and @chakster (which I would urge you not to), @tom_hankins at audionirvana is selling a slightly used Air Tight PC1 Supreme for $4.5k. Sounds like a good deal for a $11k MC cart - one of the best out there. 

Good luck!
papafrgog
102 posts
 
Handyman, it’s your money, your ears and your equipment. Do WTF you want. Their are a lot of experienced audiophiles here with the ego to match. Trust me, they make mistakes too. I love my TT and I get gut punched every time I tell someone here it’s a Linn. What I can say is that changes in the TT really can make a noticeable difference in SQ. For me, it was the power supply upgrade. Hugenificant difference. Changing to audioquest leopard TA cable improved SQ to me. And all these smaller changes to my TT have (I think) magnified the difference that my TA upgrade (EkosSE) and cartridge upgrade ( Lyra Etna) made. You have a good cartridge assuming stylus and cantilever are in good shape.  There’s never 1 fix and I believe in the synergies of components so make it a process to enjoy and learn from as you search for that SQ that YOU want. 
papafrgog
102 posts
 
Handyman, it’s your money, your ears and your equipment. Do WTF you want. Their are a lot of experienced audiophiles here with the ego to match. Trust me, they make mistakes too. I love my TT and I get gut punched every time I tell someone here it’s a Linn. What I can say is that changes in the TT really can make a noticeable difference in SQ. For me, it was the power supply upgrade. Hugenificant difference. Changing to audioquest leopard TA cable improved SQ to me. And all these smaller changes to my TT have (I think) magnified the difference that my TA upgrade (EkosSE) and cartridge upgrade ( Lyra Etna) made. You have a good cartridge assuming stylus and cantilever are in good shape.  There’s never 1 fix and I believe in the synergies of components so make it a process to enjoy and learn from as you search for that SQ that YOU want. 
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