I have also gone from the XX-2 MKII to the Cadenza Bronze. I like both carts for different reasons. The DV sounds amazing on the right record and generally does a much better job on live recordings. The Ortofon never reaches the ultimate heights the DV can reach, but makes many more records enjoyable than the DV does. Having both makes me want a second arm on my TT.
VPI Cartridge People: What next?
OK, vinyl troopers, so it's getting to be time for a new cartridge, at least pretty soon. My Dynavector XX-2 MkII has served me faithfully and is likely headed for replacement in the months ahead, so where do I go now? I've previously moved up from Dynavector Karat to the XX-2 MkII, and that brought nice improvement, but what next? System page is listed, but in short I'm a 99% analog only guy with VPI 10.5 arm > VPI Aries turntable > McIntosh C2300 tube MC phono. This rig sits on a Gingko Cloud stand and heavyweight Bright Star rack.
Trouble is, good cartridges are obviously very expensive and tough to demo. My goal: I'm looking for the ultimate VPI-arm compatible cartridge for use with this rig. Move up in the Dynavector line? Stay put with XX-2 MkII? Lyra cartridges have good reviews and sound tempting. Soundsmith? Koetsu? Can I do make a meaningful improvement over the Dyna XX-2 MkII for less than $3K? Listen mainly to all kinds of music and value soundstaging and image depth. Leaning slightly more Romantic than Analytical/HiFi in my audio tastes.
Have I reached the end of the line using VPI Aries with VPI 10.5 Classic 3 arm as a platform? Bring me the truth based on solid experience, folks!
Your wisdom and experiences are much appreciated in advance. Thanks!
Trouble is, good cartridges are obviously very expensive and tough to demo. My goal: I'm looking for the ultimate VPI-arm compatible cartridge for use with this rig. Move up in the Dynavector line? Stay put with XX-2 MkII? Lyra cartridges have good reviews and sound tempting. Soundsmith? Koetsu? Can I do make a meaningful improvement over the Dyna XX-2 MkII for less than $3K? Listen mainly to all kinds of music and value soundstaging and image depth. Leaning slightly more Romantic than Analytical/HiFi in my audio tastes.
Have I reached the end of the line using VPI Aries with VPI 10.5 Classic 3 arm as a platform? Bring me the truth based on solid experience, folks!
Your wisdom and experiences are much appreciated in advance. Thanks!