2. analog
  3. 1266799659

SME V arm and what cartridge?

I have a Dynavector XX2MKII right now that I love with my Clearaudio Performance table/Satisfy Carbon arm. Getting an SME 20/V arm and was curious which cartridges you guys consider to have good synergy with SME? Will the XX2MKII work well with the new table or should I be looking at something to replace it with.

I prefer the rich, smooth, dynamic sound to lean and hyper detailed. The XX2MKII is a very musical cartridge with great bass and a warmish tonal balance overall which I really like. Should I be looking up the chain of Dynavector or go in another direction?

I heard the SME 20/IV.Vi with a Sumiko Celebration and thought it was a very nice combo but the rest of the gear was very different from mine. I've also heard the Spiral Groove with various Lyra cartridges and was impressed as well. So I realize it is not so much the cartridge per say as it is overall synergy of table/arm/cartridge and the rest of the system as well. Still I am hoping guys familiar with the SME will chime in on their favorite synergistic choices of cartridges with the SME arms.

The rest of the system is Wilson Sasha's, Lamm M1.2s, Lamm LL2 Deluxe and EAR 324P phono.

Thanks.
flyski
Ag insider logo xs@2x
uru975
684 posts
 
Have been told that the Sumiko Celebration was voiced with the SME V. I do have the Celebration but not the SME V arm at this time.
mvaudio's avatar
mvaudio
16 posts
 
I am using a Miyajima Shilabe in aSME V on a Kuzma Stabi Reference with great results. It has a deep round bottom end with plenty of air on top. It is not quite as well rounded as my Transfiguration Orpheus, now on a Triplanar Garrard 301 combo, but at 60% of the price it comes closer than it should.
Mark
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
In general, the SME V is one of those Arms which perform well with nearly everything. The choice is yours.
The Lyra Systems are good in that Arm, also Transfiguration, Dynavector (TeKaitora) and some more.
How about the new Lyra Delos? Or a 2. hand Zyx UNIverse (when available)?
analog_soul
44 posts
 
SME V mates well with Ortofon A90. Heard this combo a week ago and it has a good synergy. Tracking is really good with fast transients. It will not give you lush on the mids and high like the other colored carts. Not too dynamic but detailed and controlled bass with weight. What it gives you is well balance presentation for long hours of listening. This cart has very unique characteristic. You should hear this cart given the chance.

A90 sounds is ALL NATURAL! NO PRESERVATIVES ADDED...
More to discover