Phasemation MC
Hello,
I moved to MC a few months ago after owning many MM cartridges. I bought an AT33EV, which is on a Clearaudio Performance DC with an AT1000T step-up and a tube preamp. I love the sound and feel like I should have switched to MC sooner!
I'm going to Japan in two months and thought it would be a great opportunity to buy a cartridge, as Japanese models are cheaper there than in Europe.
If I had to criticize the AT33EV, I'd say the low end could be more precise (but not less deep), and the highs could be more open (but not harsh).
I've heard a lot of good things about Phasemation. Do you think the PP200 or PP300 would match my setup and meet my expectations?
Not treble forward but my speakers are very neutral so if something is harsh in the chain it won't obliterated it :/ Honestly I don't really need a new cart right now and I like mine, but because I have this trip planned to Japan I think it would be a missed opportunity not to get the future replacement |
@inca21 I'm always hesitant to judge/comment on a single component due to a system needs to be judged as a sum of parts(components)not an individual component. Back to the Phasemation PP 200, it is an engaging cartridge due to a slightly forward midrange and overall balanced presentation. If your system is treble biased or forward this might not be the best cartridge. |
Thanks for this. Aggressive is certainly not what I'm looking for but dynamic for sure yes. I'd rather a bit laid back than agressive sound but I don't want it to be boring. So far I've been from a 2m red to blue to AT150 to clear audio virtuoso always with improvement but it's really when I moved to MC that I've been happy with my records. MM always had something harsh in the upper range |
I own a PP200 on a Rega P9/RB1000 with an Allnic H-1200 phono preamp using Nordost Heimdall 2 interconnects. Previously had a Goldring Legacy on the same set up. Clarity with a larger and more open(airy) forward soundstage were the most obvious improvements. The Legacy had a tighter more controlled(direct/darker) sound with more aggressive bass(not as clean as PP200). Some prefer this type of(mechanical) sound explaining why Hegel/Naim have a following. Personally I don’t like any frequency range to dominate especially the bass region. To sum it up the Phasemation PP200 places itself more on the finesse side of cartridges while still having some bite but maintains a clean/open Hi/Fi(compliment)sound. You might want to consider Dynavector if you want a more aggressive/dynamic sounding cartridge. |
