Get the Dynavector 17D3. It's the only MC I know of that doesn't have that lame "audiophile" treble boost. It's sounds grey compared to a lot of other moving coils, but that's because it's accurate. I highly highly recommend using the Stevenson geometry alignment and setting it at 2.1g VTF with equal anti-skate. It's a great cart for tracking and a true representation on what's in the grooves. I've been at this a long time now and a non neutral cart is the culprit of getting consistently good sound from your phono set up. If you like colored sound, do it with your amps and speakers. Otherwise, a colored cart will make some records sound amazing, and some like dog sh1t. Most MC have exaggerated treble; I'm talking up to +7dB after 10kHz. But, ignore all this if you like "detail"'and "air" over what the mastering engineer heard when cutting the record. :-)
Moving coil cartridge
hello all,
It has been on my mind for the past 3 years. " I wonder if I should try out a moving coil cartridge" Well it seems that this itching is driving me crazy to the point of OCD'ing 24/7. I own a modest set up, nothing too fancy, a Marantz-Clear Audio TT15SE equipped with the wooden Virtuoso MM cartridge. I have to admit I love the rich and warmness that the Virtuoso provides and have other MM's such as the Orofon 2M black but prefer the Virtuoso because of the aforementioned attributes and its almost silent like operation. I digress, I must quench my thirst and put the MC debate to rest once and for all.
A local dealer in my area seems to like the Dynavector brand. They range from $650.00 to over 5K. I of course cannot afford much above $1,500 so I figured the new 20x2 HL and 17D3 would be a good starting point. One, does anyone know if this a good fit for the TT15SE? I ask this because the Ortofon 2M black which sounds great on my old Ariston rig, sounds very average on the Marantz. Two, of the 2 Dynavectors mentioned, the 17D3 being the more expensive units, would I be better of trying the lower end 20x2 unit first? From what I have read the 2 have totally different sonics and soundstage characteristics so i am not sure if the more expensive unit (ie 17D3) would be the right choice.
Any other suggestions for MC cartridges?
All feedback would be aprreciated.
Thanks
It has been on my mind for the past 3 years. " I wonder if I should try out a moving coil cartridge" Well it seems that this itching is driving me crazy to the point of OCD'ing 24/7. I own a modest set up, nothing too fancy, a Marantz-Clear Audio TT15SE equipped with the wooden Virtuoso MM cartridge. I have to admit I love the rich and warmness that the Virtuoso provides and have other MM's such as the Orofon 2M black but prefer the Virtuoso because of the aforementioned attributes and its almost silent like operation. I digress, I must quench my thirst and put the MC debate to rest once and for all.
A local dealer in my area seems to like the Dynavector brand. They range from $650.00 to over 5K. I of course cannot afford much above $1,500 so I figured the new 20x2 HL and 17D3 would be a good starting point. One, does anyone know if this a good fit for the TT15SE? I ask this because the Ortofon 2M black which sounds great on my old Ariston rig, sounds very average on the Marantz. Two, of the 2 Dynavectors mentioned, the 17D3 being the more expensive units, would I be better of trying the lower end 20x2 unit first? From what I have read the 2 have totally different sonics and soundstage characteristics so i am not sure if the more expensive unit (ie 17D3) would be the right choice.
Any other suggestions for MC cartridges?
All feedback would be aprreciated.
Thanks