I took a Helikon to 2000 hours and went for Soundsmith's best retip to the stock boron cantilever. This was a worthwhile gamble: apparently the suspension has a longer lifespan than the stylus. The long wait for the retip gave me an opportunity to jump on the train of Raulireugas's long thread about NOS MM/MI cartridges. The best of these will give you what you're looking for and leave lots of cash to upgrade your phono stage.
Lyra Helikon upgrade
Having lived very happily with my Helikon for 2 years, I am now contemplating an upgrade, the helikon tracks great has bags of detail and imaging. On good recordings it is fantastic, however I would like something a little more full bodied for those recordings that are less than perfect. My TT is an sme 10 with a iv arm. Currently I am interested in the Lyra Skala, and the benz LP is also on my list.
Thanks for any input...
Happy listening
Thanks for any input...
Happy listening