Moving coil with a bit less leading edge

This is a common problem since most high end modern moving coils seem voiced to make vinyl sound like CD. Two suggestions in addition to the excellent & affordable Zu103 already mentioned: 47 Labs MC Bee and at much more cash, the Koetsu Vermillion.

Phil

Spiritofmusic gave a very interesting idea. These modded 103(R) are really something special, unbeatable for the price. Koetsu Black could be interesting, too. Impressive are also the cheaper Zyx carts...

Your comments might be right on the mark, John. And of course the required changes brought about by different, newly introduced equipment is always fun :-}. Kind thanks to you and others here for the recommendations. Based on what I've read about it, the Allaerts sounds very interesting but it's out of my price range. Denon might be too low on compliance. Otherwise, there's a good crop to consider from here.

Hi, you might try a Allaerts. I don't know what your budget is, but fits the sound qualities you are mentioning...

Allaerts are a little hard to get, only a one man company, but excellent quality and sound...Not sure on your budget, but my Allaerts MC2 Finish is pretty special..

I can really recommend the Zu Audio modded Denon 103. It's at the bottom of the price range (c.$800) of such exalted MCs mentioned here, and I was skeptitical that it would be up there, but it has replaced a Transfiguration Orpheus (c.$6000+). I am just about to mod it for a further c.$500 by upgrading stylus and cantilever. A real giant killer.

Hey Jeff, you experiences within the Dynavector line can be extrapolated to other cartridge lines as well.....and cable lines, amps, speakers, etc. The cost of diminishing returns hits fast and hard. It sounds as if you are facing a similar dilemma to when I changed from my VPI table/arm to a Basis table/arm. The Basis was much more transparent and revealing and Dynavectors weakness, a rather jagged higher end, is more exposed under such condition's. Dynavector's mate well with smoother sounding tables like the VPI.

The Benz line is a good reco, others that may also fill the bill would be a Koetsu, Shelter, Air Tight, Transfiguration, Sumiko or ZYX (silver). I haven't heard the Miyajima cartridges, so I cannot speak for them. You didn't mention a price range so I didn't mention specific models. I'm sure you can figure it out.

Cheers,
John

That one, too, though I haven't heard it. The Kansui is designed to be little more refined in the highs. And it's slightly higher compliance, so probably more flexible with tonearms.

Or the Miyajima Shilabe ?

Miyajima Kansui would fit the bill.

Hey John...I had been using the Dynavector XV-1S with my
former SME IV.Vi tonearm, but quit when the suspension
collapsed. I replaced the XV-1S with a Dynavector XX-2,
which despite being over $3000 less than the 1S, sounds
amazingly similar to it. I've since moved to the TW Acustic
10.5 arm(with Raven One table). The SME's relative
mellowness, along with my slightly dark sounding, older VPI
HW-19/early Mk 4 platter, melded pretty well the Dynavector
sound. Compared with the SME, the 10.5 has a relatively more
neutral and more dynamic sound. Along with my revealing
Dunlavy SC-4 speakers, the Dynavector and 10.5 sound fairly
similar in terms of brilliance and detail. I would prefer a
cartridge that has a slightly more refined quality which I
feel would provide a more desirable synergy for me. Without
elaborating, it must also be of low output; i.e., .3
millivolts or less, which narrows the field considerably.
So...any suggestions? Thanks Stringreen. I just saw your
recommendation before posting my response to John. I do like
the Benz sound, and of course will give it serious
consideration.

Benz cartridges are excellent and musical - The more you spend the better is the cartridge

When compared to? What are you currently using that is a bit too transparent/lean for your tastes?