2. analog
  3. 1266799659

SME V arm and what cartridge?

I have a Dynavector XX2MKII right now that I love with my Clearaudio Performance table/Satisfy Carbon arm. Getting an SME 20/V arm and was curious which cartridges you guys consider to have good synergy with SME? Will the XX2MKII work well with the new table or should I be looking at something to replace it with.

I prefer the rich, smooth, dynamic sound to lean and hyper detailed. The XX2MKII is a very musical cartridge with great bass and a warmish tonal balance overall which I really like. Should I be looking up the chain of Dynavector or go in another direction?

I heard the SME 20/IV.Vi with a Sumiko Celebration and thought it was a very nice combo but the rest of the gear was very different from mine. I've also heard the Spiral Groove with various Lyra cartridges and was impressed as well. So I realize it is not so much the cartridge per say as it is overall synergy of table/arm/cartridge and the rest of the system as well. Still I am hoping guys familiar with the SME will chime in on their favorite synergistic choices of cartridges with the SME arms.

The rest of the system is Wilson Sasha's, Lamm M1.2s, Lamm LL2 Deluxe and EAR 324P phono.

Thanks.
flyski

Showing 1 response by audioquest4life

audioquest4life
778 posts
 
The Benz LP or Benz LPS sounds like it will fit your description. I use the older Benz LP with an SME V and it presents itself as a neutral pick-up device, neither detracting nor adding to the music. I hear music and nothing exagerated in the frequency spectrum. It can do jazz, rock and orchestra with no problems, allowing one to focus on the music rather than the mechanics of the device. At least on my system.
Ciao,
Audioquest4life
More to discover