Murasakino Sumile or Phasemation PP-2000?


Murasakino Sumile or Phasemation PP-2000?

I am considering buying either of these cartridges. Has anyone heard them both? If so what are your impressions and, based on my following preferences, which one do you think I would like?

I am an all-rounder cartridge fan. I prefer low impedance and low output. I prefer balanced carts that are more holistic – that don’t just sound good with one type of music; that don’t emphasize a certain tonal quality nor excel in a particular swath of the frequency spectrum. I value neutrality with a slight touch of sweetness, but not excessive detail or dryness. I also value sound-staging ability [re. ambiance / spatiality info retrieval and presentation / localization of instruments within that space and also transparency – specifically inner detail and micro-dynamic resolution.

I’ve heard and owned many exceptional, highly regarded cartridges over many years as an audiophile and the Transfiguration Proteus best represents this description and matches my sensibilities to date.

Now I am looking for a cartridge to compliment the Proteus in areas where I feel it is somewhat lacking.

What I’m looking for is slightly warmer, rich in tonal color, and a lively but intimate presentation, but without sacrificing the frequency extremes nor sound-staging ability [re. ambience retrieval – spatial cues]. Depending on the content, the Proteus can sound slightly cool, neutral, and reserved. I find that about 85% of the music I listen to sounds absolutely exceptional with the Proteus, but I am looking to balance it with an alternative that covers the 15% where the Proteus doesn’t but also sounds good / overlaps with the 70% content that the Proteus also excels - if that makes sense.

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