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Soundsmith Carmen vs. Dynavector 20x2H

Looking for a great Cartridge to match up with a VPI Traveler v.2 turntable.

I have narrowed it down to the Soundsmith Carmen and the Dynavector 20x2H but I am open to any other suggestions under $1000. Anyone compare those two to each other?

Other ones I was considering were the Benz Ace HO, Dynavector 10x5, Clearaudio Virtuoso, and Grado Sonata 1. I like an open and dynamic sound but also smooth and not too bright on vocals.

Any comparisons and opinions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
mezzanine

Showing 2 responses by macster

macster
64 posts
 
Try a Shure M97XE with a Jico SAS. Use the original stylus for records that are in poor condition and the Jico stylus for records that are in good or better condition. BTW, I have a Soundsmith Carmen and Othello. Also, I had a Dynavector 10X5 which was good, but for the money spent the Shure/Jico combination beats them all. I used these on a Classic 1, which is being replaced by an Aries 3.

M~
macster
64 posts
 
The 10X5 is better period. smoother better articulation, bass, treble and imaging, it's even "better" than the Shure/Jico combo. But it's so darn delicate and fragile looing. I mean that stylus is hanging out there saying "break me." It really was thing that got to me. I wasn't too sure if it would survive a long time around me. I already broke my first one, without even knowing it. In the end I wimped out and kept the more robust(IMHO) cartridge. I may opt for a DV20 in the future, it looks like it would last.

M~
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