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Phono cartridge choice

Well, I think that I already have my mind made up but, I decided to see what the forum would say. The objective is to get a third cartridge to use in rotation on a Jelco SA-250S tonearm (removeable headshell) on a partially upgraded 1980s Linn LP12. The upgrades on the Linn are for increased rigidity (corian sub-chassis, corian arm board and a DIY 1/8" thick aluminum bottom plate. The two carts already on hand are a Hana SH MKII and a Nagaoka MP-200. The Hana will be on a Yamamoto Ebony Headshell. The MP-200 will be on a Jelco metal headshell. The third cart being considered is the Sumiko Songbird HO. It can go on either a Jelco or a Yamamoto ebony headshell (leaning toward the Yamamoto) The tuning of the system is much more for "musicality" than for analtical presentation. I want more ease and flow to the sound. Tube peamp, tube phono stage and tube amp.Thoughts? (sorry Audio Technica fans but, I wiil have to pass on AT carts)

mwh777
pindac's avatar
pindac
3,091 posts
 

Dynavector 20X2H is well liked in a Valve Amp for its Richness of Tone.

How Rich is the Tonal Influence, I don't know, I own one version of this which has low hours and was heard in use through a SS Phonostage.

I can't recall the sound accurately and the Cart' has been in storage with a MM Cart' selection for many many years. It was kept because it was liked, I can guarantee that is correct info.

A Friend put about 50 Hours on it using a Valve System with Horn Speakers and again I was quite impressed, but it too long gone to comment accurately. I do recall making comment about the Horn Speaker being noticeable for its influence on the sound. The friend tried hard to buy the D'vector but I did not accept any offers, again it must have been worth keeping. 

I call this Cart' and the MM's my very very late in life Cart's sort of withheld to be used as sacrificial.   

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,552 posts
 

I owned a MP-200 and listened to it for many months,very nice music on my REGA P3, I also had a Clear Audio Maestro Ebony v2 on a Project Xtension 10. Honestly though, MM's dont work well for me (to warm and velvety) so I am a MC guy I finally realized, I love the Dynavector 10X5 and the 20x2L, The 10X5 on a REGA table is a really nice combo of dynamics and punch and lively sound. The 20x2 is way more refined and ive been using it on a JA Michell Gyro SE w/Techno Arm and I cant say enough about how well this combo works! 

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,136 posts
 

It's always a matter of preference.  I'm not familiar with the others, but I've been thrilled with an MP150 body and a JN-P500 stylus with a modified Hagerman Bugle 3 phono stage, and all tube front end.  

rossb
191 posts
 

At that price level, I would suggest looking at the Benz Glider, or one of the new Ortofon MC X series.

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