Best Cartridge for VPI TNT Hot Rod +JMW12.5+SDS

even better would be the new Colibri cartridge available on Audiogon, I believe.

Jackob, I feel that all the VDH, Clearaudio, and Benz cartridges are way overpriced. They are good cartridges, but their performance levels can be matched or exceeded at far lower price points by other makers. However, I will grant that the 35um compliance would be better for a unipivot design, than one with a very low compliance. But the JMW arms seem to be very capable with lower compliance, especially the 12.5.

If you want to spend $5k for a cart that can be equalled or bettered by a $1500 cart, then that's ok with me. I just have better places to spend the extra $3.5k.

Another excellent cartridge to consider on that arm would be the ZYX Fuji at $2k. It is extraordinarily good, and has a compliance of 12-15. Easily matches or surpasses the Black Beauty for less than half the price. I feel that the ZYX Fuji would also surpass the Helikon at about the same price.

Thanks Twl. I actually already own the VDH BB (paid $1750) and just got the VPI/JMW 12.5 setup. I was concerned that there might be compatibility issues that I hadn't heard about. Sounds as if I'll be ok.

Jackob, it sounds like you got a great bargain on your Black Beauty! At that price, it is an extremely competitive cartridge with any of the ones I mentioned, and I'm sure that is sounds great in your system. Enjoy!

Thanks Twl. I just got the table and arm and don't yet have it up and running. A guy to whom I spoke at VPI told me they have used a VDH BB with this table and arm and have gotten great results. So I'm eager with anticipation.