I have a Lyra Delos, it is relatively affordable, and really outstanding. I use it with a j a Michell tecnodec and a Whest phono preamp. The trio produce a really beautiful sound.
What Cartridge please?
I have a ClearAudio Concept TT w/satisty tone arm, and currently using a Denon DL110 cart, but I want to upgrade. What is the best cart that this TT can fully utilize??
I want to stay with MC carts as I like their sound, and preferably a CA unit, but I'm open in that regard.
My phono stage can handle any cart I throw at it, so no limitations there.
Thanks Fellas,
Cheers
I want to stay with MC carts as I like their sound, and preferably a CA unit, but I'm open in that regard.
My phono stage can handle any cart I throw at it, so no limitations there.
Thanks Fellas,
Cheers
23 responses Add your response
AT50ANV is precursor to ART7. The product literature suggests that the two are identical, except that the non-magnetic coil armature was changed from titanium to stiffer and more lightweight liquid crystal polymer. The commemorative ANV version carries a price premium. I really like the ART7, but my friend who has both cartridges feels that greater embodiment and dynamics makes the ART9 more involving. |
What would be your opinions on this........http://www.lpgear.com/product/AT50ANV.html The cost fits in with the rest of the system. |
I listen to a huge variety of music, about only thing I don't listen to is classical. I prefer strings to air (to a point), and tend to shy away from brass instruments other than the sax. I try not to be too analytical when listening as I find it detracts from the joy, but I like to hear "air" around the instruments. In all fairness, the DL110 isn't horrible, but the "air" tends to lack, and the stage can become a bit shallow at times. |
While I am as happy as the next guy to throw out suggestions based on my experience (another ZYX fan here), I think it may be more helpful a discussion if you give us an idea of what you are looking for in a cart? What types of music do you listen to, and what characteristics of the music are of most interest to you? |
Alas - soundsmith has stopped selling the wood bodied version due to supplier difficulties Also see the latest news on Soundsmith here https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/fyi-soundsmith-pre-modified-denon-dl103-and-103r Regards... |
Shawnlh, I haven't personally made the comparison, but I have an industry insider friend who rolls lots of top cartridges, and who positions the AT ART7 & ART9 above both the Kleos and the Delos. I have an ART7 and will probably try an ART9. Reportedly the ART9 has a fuller and more dynamic presentation than the ART7(and a more phono stage friendly .5mV output.) I do have both ART7 and DL-S1 and prefer the ART7. Whatever the merits of the AT ARTs, there are doubtless audiophiles who won't try them due to confirmation bias favoring higher priced brands. |
Also available at $500-ish is the Audio Technica AT33PTG/II. It's not officially distributed in the US, but is easy to find on Amazon and eBay from Japanese vendors. It's also available on Japan-based audiocubes2.com. It's like the AT33EV except that it has the boron cantilever and MicroLinear stylus, which is a quicker tracker and lasts longer betfore needing a retip--or so I've been told by my local long-running analog specialty store. |
Bearing in mind your TT / tonearm cost, it doesn't make much sense to me to spend mega- bucks on the cartridge. Two of the best cart's I have owned in the moderate to medium-price range are the Shelter 501 Mk3 (mc), and the ClearAudio Maestro v2 Ebony (Mm). Both are first-rate cart's. If you want to step up a notch, consider the Lyra Delos. |
Shawn - since you are using a Denon DL110 successfully - you might be able to switch to a Soundsmith Denon DL103 or 103R - but verify the compliance first I was using the stock 103 for a couple of years - then upgraded to the Soundsmith version of the DL103 with a Ruby Cantilever and a Optimized Contour contact line diamond for superb performance. The mods were well worth the money and I retained the same sonic signature that I like - just with bags more details and clarity You could even send your cart to SS for a cantilever/stylus upgrade Take a look at their options page http://www.sound-smith.com/options-cantilever-and-stylus-shapes#overlay-context=services Soundsmith also now carries their own line of cartridges Hope that helps |