Under $1,000 Cartridge for Aries 2 Extended


I've got an Aries 2 Extended with the JMS 12.7 arm, currently mounted with a Denon DL 103. I'm interested in getting a more capable phono cartridge, either MC or MM that would cost less than $1,000 new or used. I listen to classic rock, male and female vocals, jazz and classical music. My primary speakers are B&W 801 F's driven by several different tube or solid state pre-amplifier and amplifier combinations. I'd like a cartridge that throws a large soundstage and has a warmth and vibrancy to the presentation of the music. Any suggestions?
acrosonic

Showing 3 responses by acrosonic

Sidssp: I've got a DL-103, but I was thinking about moving up to the 103(R), as I like the 103 "sound".

Stanwal: I was hoping to hear from someone with a Denon 304; it's another of the Denon's that's within my price range.
Davt: My preamps (Rogue 99 Magnum with high gain phono, Van Alstine w/step-up transformer and the venerable Carver C 4000t) can all handle cartridges with output in the 0.25mv range. Your recommendations sound good to me.
Griffithds: I'll check out the Clearaudio Vertuoso Wood.

Buconero117: I mounted a Shure V15Mx, but it had a bad hum pickup problem that I couldn't remedy even though I thought that I had everything grounded. I've got a Shure HiTrack lying around that I could mount to see how it performs.