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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
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...
audioquest4life
727 posts
 
The Benz LP or Benz LPS sounds like it will fit your description. I use the older Benz LP with an SME V and it presents itself as a neutral pick-up device, neither detracting nor adding to the music. I hear music and nothing exagerated in the frequency spectrum. It can do jazz, rock and orchestra with no problems, allowing one to focus on the music rather than the mechanics of the device. At least on my system.
Ciao,
Audioquest4life
sdrenslow
65 posts
 
Lyra Skala would offer good synergy with the rest of your system, which already leans towards the darker, warmer side. I think the Dynavector, Sumiko, and Benz cartridges would push your system too far to the warm and smooth side of things. I use a Lyra Skala on my SME 10 with all BAT electronics and Wilson Sophia 2s.
jtimothya
612 posts
 
The Transfiguration Orpheus is an excellent match to my SME V. Neutral, natural timbre, quick.

By the way - a bit off topic - how do you like the Sasha with the Lamm 1.2 ? I'm considering that combo myself.
 
larryi
3,783 posts
 
A friend uses an Orpheus in a fully upgraded SME 309. The combination is terrific. In terms of tracking ability, the Orpheus works better in the 309 than in a Graham Phantom and a Basis Vector. I would bet that it would perform even better in the V, which is a better arm still.

But, I bet any of the top contenders would be terrific with the V. I doubt that your choices are constrained by any compatibility issues.
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