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Dynavector 20 Xl , Benz Micro Ace SL or Denon

I am considering purchasing my first MC cartridge and am considering the Dynavector 20 Xl, Benz Micro Ace SL or possibly one of the Denon models. I am currently using a Rega Exact 2 MM cartridge on a Rega P3 with an upgraded RB 300 tonearm. I have an Arcam C31 with P1 monoblocks. I sometimes feel that the soundstage could be wider and more detailed. Would the move to either be justified? Thank you for your input.
kypride
acrylics
29 posts
 
I recently tried a Benz L2 on my Clearaudio table, there was much more surface noise than my 20XL, it didn't track as well. I found the mid bass inproved but there was less air than the 20XL. In the end the surface noise was enough to detract from my experience, the 20XL is excellent in this regard, very hard to beat...
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rauliruegas
12,842 posts
 
Dear Kypride: IMHO very good move on your TT change.

About cartridges my advise is that you go either with LOMC one or to MM/MI one not a HOMC where the people/retailers tell us that we have the best of both worlds, very far from there.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
geor
37 posts
 
Dear Raul, Am I understanding you correctly? Don't buy a HOMC? Any HOMC? I have an ARC PH1 phono pre with 48db gain. What cartridge would you recommend to upgrade from a Grado Z+?
Thanks,
George
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rauliruegas
12,842 posts
 
Dear Geor: If you like Grado then go with them on any of its top ( not the very top that its output is low: 0.5mv. ) models. Grado has very good quality performers.

There is a current Grado model name it The Tribute ( 1.5mv. ) and marketed by Amber in Australia. This IMHO is one of the best cartridges ( LOMC or MM/MI ) ever made, its quality performance is something : " you can't ask for more " status.

There are other lower price options as Nagaoka MP-50 or Ortofon M20E Super, both you can find it NOS through Ebay/LPgear.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
spelly
63 posts
 
UPDATE - since my last post I have tried the following cartridges in my system: Benz Wood SH, Dynavector 17D2 mk2, Shelter 501 Mk2, Nagaoka MP-50.

My Dyna 20X-H is still my fave....by a wide margin...despite the higher price tag most of the others. I also really like my Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood.

Maybe I'm just a HO kinda guy? Maybe they lack a lil speed, clarity, precision and finesse compared to the LOMC I've tried. But they have greater body, harmonic richness and slam, and the music just seems to flow and hang together with greater coherency and naturalness. Also, they don't have the sheeny and brilliant kindof overlay to the music that bothers me about LOMC. It sounds hyped and artificial to me, and ultimately fatiguing.
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