2. analog
  3. 1244112423

Requesting Cartridge Advice

Hello fellow Audiogoners, I'd like some opinions from some of you regarding cartridge choices. First, my system details:

* Denon DRA-35V 40 wpc receiver (over 21 years old now; hoping to upgrade to an integrated amp before year's end; thinking of the Creek Evo but I am far from a final decision on that);

* Vandersteen 1C speakers (~ 55 hrs of playing time since purchasing);

* Pro-ject Xpression MkII turntable with a Benz Micro BE20E (??) cartridge; also have the Pro-ject Phonobox USB, but I only use it to digitize LPs to my Mac;

* Marantz DR700 CD recorder (which only works as a player now for some reason);

and the

* Nakamichi CR-2A cassette deck (for playback only at this point; used primarily to digitize analog cassettes).

Now a number of cartridge candidates have been recommended. These include

* the Statement Grado Platinum

* Benz mc20el

* Audiotechnica oc9

* Shelter 201

* Ortofon 2m Bronze

* Dynavector 10x5

and the

* Audio Technica 150mlx

My Vandersteens, tho beautifully open and detailed, are a little shy in the upper frequencies. So a cartridge with some brightness may not be a bad thing (altho my int-amp choice will have to take that into consideration). I just don't want it to be overdone. (My current Benz appears to be the cause of some annoying and disappointing playback problems, incl an overdone treble region and some spitty S's, never mind some of the inner tracks my cartridge doesn't seem to like very much. Bear in mind I had a pro install this thing.) The kind of sound I'm looking for may be described as follows:

Very balanced across the audible spectrum; transparent and accurate; solid, deep bass; sweet but sharply focused highs; great stereo separation and soundstage; And I want all this for no more than, say, $US450, while $US300 is preferable. Okay, you can stop laughing.

What do y'all think of the cartridge choices listed? Would you recommend something else instead? Why? Please be detailed if your time permits.

Thanks so much.
kethoticus

Showing 1 response by ekobesky

ekobesky
259 posts
 
Denon made a fine receiver, but it's clearly the major limiting factor in your system. Put the money you're about to spend on a cartridge toward your new integrated amplifier instead. It will be a night-and-day difference.

The Creek Evo is a great integrated amp. But if you like Denon and the Denon sound -- and you clearly must to have stuck with your little receiver for 21 years -- then how about a refurbished PMA-2000R for around $500?

It's extremely well made, very powerful, and has an excellent MM/MC phono stage. You can afford it right now and it will take better control of your speakers, offering enhanced detail, resolution and articulation.

http://usa.denon.com/pma2000_productsheet.pdf

http://www.dakmart.com/product_info.php?products_id=305

Cartridges are a matter of personal taste. But I don't think any cartridge line offers more bang for the buck than Denon. The $180 DL-160 was a bargain 10 years ago...today, it's a ridiculous value. It's a moving coil that has high enough output that it can (and should) be treated as a moving magnet. For a few dollars more, the DL-103 is a low-output classic and the DL-301 for $349 is a steal as well. Both will work fine with the Xpression's arm and the PMA-2000R's built-in phono stage.

The Audio-Technica AT-150MLX will offer you a boost in treble detail but it can sound a bit shrill to some ears. I also think the much less expensive AT-440MLX offers 90% of the 150's performance. You might also look at the $100 Ortofon 2M Red or $200 2M Blue.

But...deal with the amplification first.
More to discover