2. analog
  3. 1080305310

Top phono cartrige to match jfrech's system ...

Please click on my system link first. I'm looking for a cartrige to upgrade from my Helikon. Also, I'm going on a buisness trip to Japan soon. I'm hoping I can buy something over there just a little cheaper-but this is not a requirement.

My system weaknesses are, just a little cool in the midrange, just a little hot on the top end and images could be a little rounder. Strengths are excellent detail, excellent bass definition, very quiet, transparent etc. I'm using Amperex 7308's in the phono stage. Telefunkens sound better...but are noisier. Bad trade off I think.

The only other possible upgrade is to a Aesthetix Rhea or Io. Maybe even the depth charge cap upgrade on my P10SE. My BAT Phono is great with outputs around .5mv...anything much lower and I'll have to use the transformers. Which I think cut down on quality some vs going direct to the input tubes.

My thoughts, and I wish I could audition these in my system, but I doubt I can...

Lyra Titan
Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum
Dynavector XV-1 or XV-1s

Any others? Any comments on why I'll like/dislike the above? Thanks for your help !
jfrech

Showing 1 response by downunder

downunder
1,329 posts
 
Go the Dynavector. I have both the XV-1 and helikon. Yes the helikon is a little cool in the midrange and a little hot in the top end ( in my system).
The XV-1 to me just seems like a more musical cartridge. It seems to have a better top to bottom balance and is a warmer compared to the helikon. The helikon sounds great but I find I can listen and enjoy a lot more types of music with the XV-1 compared to the helikon. I listen to approx 85% XV-a and 15% helikon. nice to have both

cheers
More to discover