2. analog
  3. 1139522549

Which cartridge is the Imaging/soundstaging champ

Hello all:
I'm a new participant in these forums, though I've read virtually every post for the last 18 months. I'm a new owner of a Scoutmaster/JMW 9.
I got a Grado Statement Sonata as a starter cartridge(also using the VPI 3 gm headshell weight), and feel like I've gotten it set up pretty wel(VTA/VTF/SRA seem as good as I can get them). I have a nice high resolution system but can't seem to create an outrageously terriffic soundstage with pinpoint imaging like my digital front end can. I really can only listen to SOTA digital recordings at this point as my analog front end is just so superior overall. I do miss the excellent imaging and stage specificity though. I'm using the Cardas Neutral Reference phono cable into my EAR 864 preamp (with wonderful Mullard NOS tubes).
I feel the Grado is the culprit. What do you think? Which cartridge in the $750-$1500 range would be the imaging champ?
Thanks for your help.
Jim
jdolgin

Showing 4 responses by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Shelter 501II, Zyx Airy2, and Sumiko Celebration should all be on your list. The Shelter is a good sounding match with your arm/table. I've heard the combo many times, and it clearly outperformed a Dynavector Karat 17D2 on the same table. Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Jdolgin,
I might have thought that as well, but it hasn't been the case in what I've heard on Slipknot1's JMW9-now Signature with the 501II.
At least one of the big websites/catalog outfits(forget if it's musicdirect, or elusivedisc) markets this combo as a featured item. They must like them together...Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Jim,
Interesting question!
One element of the performance of the ZYX cartridges is that they all seem to reduce surface noise. I believe I've read here that some attribute that to the microridge stylus shape. I'm not sure if that's what does it, but whatever the reason, I can attest that my Airy 3 does a better job of sifting thru surface noise than most other cartridges I've heard. It makes many of my thrift shop & garage sale finds much more enjoyable than when I had my Shelter 501II.
Perhaps someone else can expand on if the microridge shape is the main reason the ZYX carts exhibit this behavior. Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Jdolgin,
As it's clear that you'd like to hear about some direct experience with JMW9 & Airy2, I can offer semi-relevant experience. I'm currently using a JMW12.6 with the Airy3-S-SB. It strikes me and many visitors as a very good combination. As Doug noted above, the silver base weight from ZYX(or the VPI weight), denoted as "SB" in the model, is required for successful matching.
I'd venture to guess that the Airy2 would be great with the JMW9, and you'd find it worth the price of admission.
FWIW, I second the comment about records having to be very clean, or you hear impact of every piece of dust. Cheers,
Spencer
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