This is an obvious off-shoot from my recent Grado thread. I own a Soundsmith MMP3 phono stage. What cartridge would match up the best to the MMP3 without having to use a step-up transformer?
I've pretty much eliminated Grado (discount or not) from the mix.
I'm now thinking of...
- Ortofon
- Clearaudio
- Soundsmith
and would really like to keep things under $1,000.00.
Suggestions?
Thanks!
Bill
Did a quick check of my usual haunts on the net regarding vinyl and couldn't find much from the get go regarding carts and the Soundsmith MMP3 phono stage.
I found 2 forum posts by owners of a Soundsmith MMP3 phono and they used the Soundsmith Aida cartridge with it. Both owners had VPI tables though.
http://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/aida.html
Well, your MMP3 is a moving magnet phono stage with the following stat's
Input Load: 47k 100pF
Gain: 43dB standard
so LOMC's (low output) are out unless you want to also look for a step up. HOMC's (high output) are totally on the table though. I would suggest something with a 1.5mv output or higher.
The Dynavector 20XH is 2.5Mv, and should definitely be added to your list.
You can find a lot of good information here on most any cartridge:
http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_database.php (http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_database.php)
:duh :duh Soundsmith phono stage Soundsmith cart !!! :rofl: :rofl:
charles
Quote from: rollo on December 29, 2014, 06:41:20 AM
:duh :duh Soundsmith phono stage Soundsmith cart !!! :rofl: :rofl:
charles
That is certainly what Peter would tell you!
Compatibility with your tonearm also needs to be considered. Plenty of threads out there that go into details. I know VPI arms work well with Dynavectors and I use the DV20XL with my Southerland phono stage/ VPI Aries setup, so I second Bob's recommendation.
Hi Bill,
I have a Soundsmith Carmen cartridge I'm not using anymore, if you want to try it let me know.
I use to run it with your same phono stage. The pairing was very nice.
If it works out for you I'll give it to you for a good price.
Joe
Quote from: jbtrio on December 29, 2014, 06:12:24 PM
Hi Bill,
I have a Soundsmith Carmen cartridge I'm not using anymore, if you want to try it let me know.
I use to run it with your same phono stage. The pairing was very nice.
If it works out for you I'll give it to you for a good price.
Joe
Thanks, Joe. I may take you up on that offer somewhere down the line. I'm still in the "holy cr@p, what the hell am I doing stage" of all of this! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Bill
Thanks, everyone! As I just posted to Joe, I'm still in the "holy cr@p, what the hell am I doing stage" of all of this!
I'm still trying to sort things out and now have got myself wondering whether to not overextend myself $$$ right now and approach this differently economically.
Do I buy a $800 - $1,000 cartridge now and be done with it. Or do I buy a real good "bang for the buck" $300 - $500 cartridge for now and in a couple of years go full tilt (at least for me) and buy a $1,000 - $2,000 cartridge?
Decisions, decisions...???
Bill
Whatever you decide make sure the character of the cart does not conflict with the sonics you now have. If its bright no bright cart and visa versa.
charles
Quote from: jbtrio on December 29, 2014, 06:12:24 PM
Hi Bill,
I have a Soundsmith Carmen cartridge I'm not using anymore, if you want to try it let me know.
I use to run it with your same phono stage. The pairing was very nice.
If it works out for you I'll give it to you for a good price.
Joe
FYI - Soundsmith make a special version of the Zepher cart that is specifically designed to go with the VPI unipivot arms. I believe the body id somewhat different in weight and maybe weight distribution to alleviate some of the problems that other carts have with being mounted on a VPI arm.
Morning
I say go with this option.
"Do I buy a $800 - $1,000 cartridge now and be done with it."
One seasoned audio buff told me this when buying expensive gear:
"Buy once. Cry once."
If you buy a $300-$500 cartridge you may be thinking what if I got that other cart. Then in a couple of years when you are looking at the $1000 to $2000 cartridge this selection process will begin again except there will be more scrutiny as you will be spending a lot more than $300-$500.
Just when I make up my mind on something... (I wanted to go with the Ortofon Quintet Black MC cartridge) I find out it's back to the drawing board!
I need a minimum 1.0mV output from a cartridge to work with my Soundsmith MMP3 (MM) phono stage. I don't want to have to use an SUT.
Suggestions as close to or under $1,000 that will work well with the new VPI 3D printed tonearm...???
Thanks!
SN
Bill,
what TT you putting that arm on? I imagine a VPI.
Great arm and you SHOULD take Joe up on his offer. Great combo that cart with that phono pre. Ask Joe he had that combo and it sounded great on his previous TT.
The arm and table you are going to use are even better so it should sound wondrful.
MC is truly fantastic but requires a bit more work, using a step up transformer is the best way to step up a MC, I think the only way it should be done rather than the compromises utilized in the design to offer high gain in a phono pre. But that is just me....and about every other high end cart user.....
Stepping up would require a step up transformer (2) and interconnects.
It adds up quickly when you want good quality
Take Joe up on his offer
I thought you were in Yosemite Mike?
And I thought you were no longer into Audio?
And I thought the lyric was "and I like big butts in a can of limes"?
Quote from: topround on January 09, 2015, 07:04:50 AM
Bill,
what TT you putting that arm on? I imagine a VPI.
Great arm and you SHOULD take Joe up on his offer. Great combo that cart with that phono pre. Ask Joe he had that combo and it sounded great on his previous TT.
The arm and table you are going to use are even better so it should sound wondrful.
MC is truly fantastic but requires a bit more work, using a step up transformer is the best way to step up a MC, I think the only way it should be done rather than the compromises utilized in the design to offer high gain in a phono pre. But that is just me....and about every other high end cart user.....
Stepping up would require a step up transformer (2) and interconnects.
It adds up quickly when you want good quality
Take Joe up on his offer
VPI Prime, Mike.
I have a lot more thinking to do now. I wanted to keep things $imple and avoid the co$ts of an
$UT and an extra $et of interconnect$, but...??? HW at VPI is recommending a Sumiko Blackbird or Dynavector 20XH for HOMC choices.
I still may take up Joe on his offer, but right now I'm "shooting higher". Sleppyguy24's comment of "buy once, cry once" is still ringing in my ears!
We'll see. T.B.C.
Bill
Is there a reason this one won't work?
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-12459-dynavector-20x2-h-mc-phono-cartridge.aspx
I really like the Dynavector sound.. kind of Bugle-Boy esque.
The MM Clearaudio Maestro Wood is awesome. No SUT necessary. I am blissfully unaware of the advantages offered by MC, and I intend to stay that way. Of course I have heard excellent MCs and I feel like mine gives me equal listening pleasure, or more. It's not cheap, but it really sounds great even on my entry level big boy TT. I intend to buy another one if this one ever wears out. I have no desire for more resolution from vinyl.
Quote from: Carlman on January 09, 2015, 08:47:37 AM
Is there a reason this one won't work?
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-12459-dynavector-20x2-h-mc-phono-cartridge.aspx
I really like the Dynavector sound.. kind of Bugle-Boy esque.
Actually, Carl... this is one of the two HOMC's that Harry at VPI recco'd to me. (The other was the Sumiko Blackbird.)
Please "shplain to me, Lucy" what Bugle-Boy-esque is.
Thanks!
Bill
Quote from: richidoo on January 09, 2015, 09:35:51 AM
The MM Clearaudio Maestro Wood is awesome. No SUT necessary. I am blissfully unaware of the advantages offered by MC, and I intend to stay that way. Of course I have heard excellent MCs and I feel like mine gives me equal listening pleasure, or more. It's not cheap, but it really sounds great even on my entry level big boy TT. I intend to buy another one if this one ever wears out. I have no desire for more resolution from vinyl.
Me too, but almost everyone is telling me to go the MC or MI route vs. MM...???
Bill
Amperex Bugle Boy tubes, made in Holland... have a certain alive and full bodied sound with the details presented very musically.
I could've said Kevin Voecks-esque instead... because the 80's Snell's and now Revel sound is along the same lines I'm talking about...
If I had to buy a cart today and I had a grand, the 20x is the way I'd go... Or maybe a Shelter 501 - but that would require the SUT.
Quote from: StereoNut on January 09, 2015, 10:42:20 AM
Me too, but almost everyone is telling me to go the MC or MI route vs. MM...???
Bill
(http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-KJ420_philli_G_20101007135039.jpg)
Why not try them all? One at a time, over the next few years. It is fun to try new things, learn and enjoy the adventure. There is no goal, there is no better, there's no rush.
Quote from: richidoo on January 09, 2015, 12:26:32 PM
Why not try them all? One at a time, over the next few years. It is fun to try new things, learn and enjoy the adventure. There is no goal, there is no better, there's no rush.
I'm too old for that crap, Rich! I'll never live long enough to try a 1/2 dozen different cartridges a couple of years apart! :rofl:
Bill
(SN)
BTW, does anybody have an "in" for Soundsmith...??? I'm leaning that way again! :shock:
Quote from: richidoo on January 09, 2015, 09:35:51 AM
The MM Clearaudio Maestro Wood is awesome. No SUT necessary. I am blissfully unaware of the advantages offered by MC, and I intend to stay that way. Of course I have heard excellent MCs and I feel like mine gives me equal listening pleasure, or more. It's not cheap, but it really sounds great even on my entry level big boy TT. I intend to buy another one if this one ever wears out. I have no desire for more resolution from vinyl.
+1, Big Time!!!
Bill,
Listen to Harry and get the Dynavector 20 and put $50 aside for the Soundsmith Counterintuitive. Should work with the 3D arm.
Don't forget the 3 rules of cartridge setup: Fozgo, Fozgo, Fozgo.
I own the Dyna 20x, both HO and LO versions, and a few other cartridges. Over the years I keep returning to it. I find it well balanced -- meaty, dynamic and slightly warm, and with sufficient detail, nuance and space for me. I even prefer it to the Dyna 17d2 mk2 and the CA Maestro. The former borrowed from a friend, the latter I owned. All are VG, and different tastes / synergies could easily prefer differently.
There is a heavy heavy weight of opinion, from many different quarters, that favors the 20x on VPI arms -- safe to assume it's a good match.
Why fret so much? Just get the tried and true. If your main point of hesitancy is resell loss should it not work for you, just buy used. 20x can be had in VVG / low hrs used condition in the $400 range. That's how I got both my 20x's....and all my carts for that matter. That's well below your budget, and no gear decision is permanent, or locks you into anything. If it doesn't work, just sell it. Get something else used. Keep doing it till you find something that rocks your socks. No biggie.
Synergy and satisfaction can never be guaranteed up front. For me, buying smart in the used market significantly reduces handwringing and indecision, and makes pulling the trigger much easier. Once financial loss is eliminated, or significantly reduced, who cares if you make a mistake? Besides, the gear rolling game is fun and educational.
Anyways, that's my approach. Good luck in whatever you do.
For example.....
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-clearaudio-maestro-wood-high-end-mm-cartridge-perfect-condition-3-hours-2015-01-07-analog-90066-los-angeles-ca
I know used carts can be a bit of a risky proposition, but look at the lovely condition of that stylus! Well known and respected west coast analog dealer. Looks safe to me.
Great price. And he's accepting offers. Just a coupla months ago I sold my Maestro for only $50 less, and mine had much heavier use.
Another option from same seller:
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-clearaudio-virtuoso-wood-mm-cartridge-2015-01-07-analog-90066-los-angeles-ca
I also owned this one. Excellent.
Thanx, John... although I'm thinking HOMC or HOMI. The Dynavector 20x2H seems to be where I'm heading.
Including yourself; Carlman, Bob M. (I think?), Putz and Harry W. from VPI recco'd the Dynavector 20x2H as well.
"The Sumiko Blackbird is excellent and can be purchased in high output as is the Dynavector 20XH both will work perfectly on the Prime and both are used by us in day to day listening. If you want an HO MC those would be my choices. - HW"
Bill
The blackbird might be a little too bright. Dynavector would be a better choice, but HO vs LO is a big sonic difference, the lower the better.
HO MC vs MM is kinda close, but low output MC vs MM is a big difference.
At least you moved on from Grado...that would be a mistake,especially with such a great sounding arm like the 3d printed arm.
If you do choose the Grado stick with the cheaper arm.
Opinionated? yes...but I am speaking honestly and with some experience
Mike, toobluvr, others:
Can you describe what are the sonic differences between good MM and MC. I know it is lower moving mass, so I expect in general, better transient response, more detail, etc. What makes MC good?
Thanks
Quote from: topround on January 10, 2015, 09:26:42 PM
The blackbird might be a little too bright. Dynavector would be a better choice, but HO vs LO is a big sonic difference, the lower the better. HO MC vs MM is kinda close, but low output MC vs MM is a big difference.
At least you moved on from Grado...that would be a mistake,especially with such a great sounding arm like the 3d printed arm. If you do choose the Grado stick with the cheaper arm.
Opinionated? yes...but I am speaking honestly and with some experience
Mike, opinions are what I'm here for... and I know you're not afraid to tell it like it is! :lol: I decided that I didn't want to deal with the 60Hz (?) hum that so many people have warned me about with the Grados. The output on the HO version of the Dynavector is 2.8mV. Kind of "mid-high", not "high high".
As far as the arm goes, the biggest reason that I'm so excited about buying the VPI Prime (aside from buying a new TT after all these years with the Linn) is the 3D arm. When the 3D arm was first introduced, the arm WAND alone was selling for almost 2/3'rds of what the complete VPI Prime turntable is selling for WITH the complete 3D tonearm! This is a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned! :drool:
SN
Bill when we had the VPI meeting and heard the demo of the arm the designer used a Grado.
The advantage of a LOMC is the openness and 3D sound stage. The top end has more decay of notes with all the harmonics recorded. Inner detail is more noticeable without hype.
When the stick hits the cymbal you will hear the metallic hit then the shimmer until it fades out naturally.
Basically just more control and natural presentation. With the 3D arm it would be a pitty to put a cheap cart. on
The biggest issue with LOMC is cost of entry. A phono stage with SUT is required. That in itself burns the bridge for most. Without the proper phono stage first the cart choice is moot.
OK now the cart. When selecting the cart [ source] it is prudent to choose one that has a character you want. Meaning a rich sounding one , a bright one, a neutral one.
How would you describe the sound of your system today ? I forgot as it has been awhile and you made changes.
If it were me I would look for a used Klyne phono stage which has numerous loading and cart options. They are near perfect IMO. Should have NEVER sold mine. I think Micro Benz might be one to look at as well as Lyra.
I know Rob Wyatt would help ya out big time with a recco. Great guy who knows his stuff.
MM are known for their midrange and bass strengths. The top end slightly rolled off. Lacking the space and inner detail of MC. With the type of music you listen to the strength of a particular cart must be considered. If your a vocals guy MM, Rock guy MM, Classical guy MC, Jazz guy MM, Blues Guy MM. It appears to me MM is for you. A VG starting point actually.
MC cart can be tizzy on top and lean. The expense of a highly rated MC will break the bank. Unless you can play in that arena start small.
Have fun.
charles
That's an awesome explanation, Charles! Thanks a lot.
Quote from: rollo on January 12, 2015, 06:55:06 AM
Bill when we had the VPI meeting and heard the demo of the arm the designer used a Grado.
And it wasn't even one of the wood body Grados, it was one of the lower level ones. I questioned Harry about why he chose that particular cartridge for the demo of such a high end arm. He explained that while there were many cartridges that he would have preferred over that Grado, the higher quality cartridges also exhibit a good amount of variation from piece to piece. While this may not be a bad thing if you are just buying one to listen to, the purpose of the demo he was doing was to swap between the regular arm and the 3D printed one. In order to isolate the changes in SQ to just those related to the arm he chose the Grado because although they were not as high quality in and of themselves they did provide a very consistent performance for sample to sample. Thus in this case the cartridge was not chosen because it was the best match for the arm, but rather because it was the best pick for the particular demo that Harry was trying to do at the time.
And by the way, I do have to say that when he switch from the standard to the 3D arm and played the same record again, the difference in SQ was immediately noticeable and quite impressive.
As always, thanks for your insights, Charles. I unfortunately, didn't make the VPI road trip, so your comments are appreciated. Tom's post immediately after yours definitely explains things more in context regarding the demo.
I don't know whether I am doing myself (and my system) a dis-service by not going in the LOMC direction or not, but I really don't want to complicate things with an SUT and another pair of I/C's or the hassle of buying a new phono pre-amp at this time. I also want to scratch the MC itch, after spending the last 40 years with MM's to see (hear) what I've been missing. :lol:
Music choice is definitely a factor (I listen mostly to jazz, classic and prog. rock, vocals and blues) but I also feel that the bottom line with a cartridge is it's ability to retrieve what's in da grooves! The better a cartridge can do that, it should make all genres of music sound better. As far as "cheaping out" goes in choosing a cartridge that will do the 3D arm justice, I don't feel that any of the cartridges I've mentioned ($755.00 - $1199.00) are budget priced (at least for my wallet) nor are they considered entry level by any means. Again, that's just my opinion.
Harry W. at VPI recco'd the Dynavector DV-20x2H as one of his two choices (the other being a Sumiko Blackbird) for a HOMC cartridge and quite a few others have seconded the choice of the Dynavector to me. Unless there are an overwhelming number of responses that tell me from experience that the DV-20x2H is too "tizzy", "thin" or "hot" at the top end (which I don't want) I think that's where I'm going.
Besides, from what I understand... VPI used to demo and recco Dynavector cartridges almost exclusively until there was some sort of issue with the distribution chain a while back. (I don't know the full story and cannot personally verify the reason for the change, but I'm sure there are plenty of longtime VPI owners who can attest to VPI's use of Dynavectors in the not too distant past.) Currently, VPI seems to be recommending Ortofon's - but I don't want the 2M Black (it's MM) or the Quintet Black (LOMC) that they offer for reasons I've already explained.
If the DV-20x2H good enough for Harry, it's good enough for me! :thumb:
Bill
Maybe VPIs cart preferences change as the son takes over the company and has more say about recommendations and what's used in their product demos.
I like your process of analysis. Taking in advice, listening to mfg recco, then making your decision, in a way that thread followers can learn from. :thumb:
I really would not fret too much about missing out on a lot if you choose MM (or HO MC) over low output MC. There are actually many folks who prefer the "high output / MM sound" over the "low output MC sound". There's a HUGE thread on this topic, and the general worth (and even superiority?) of the MM sound, over on AG forums.
In general, I agree with how Charles kinda summarized the general diffs: MM = full, warm, slammin dynamics, slightly (maybe?) soft / veiled on top; MC = agile, fast, transparent, and sometimes (?) dryish / brittle / bright on top. Of course we are speaking in generalities here, and exceptions exist.
I have only used a few MC in my rig. Have sampled more MM. Based on this experience, and being well in tune w my own preferences / priorities, I think I lean to the MM "sound". Maybe I just haven't heard the "right" MC. But based on my limited experience, I do kinda hear the generalized sonic profiles that Charles puts forward.
Despite being a MC, I don't hear the Dyna 20x as being "typically MC'ish", if you know what I mean. If it did, I'd not like it. I'll take warm, full, and perhaps slightly soft/rolled/veiled any day over lean, fast, dry, clinical and hyped. 20x sounds more MM'ish to me, and meshes better w my sonic priorities than the supposedly superior Dyna 17d2 mk2....which sounds more MC'ish to me, in that it is indeed just a bit faster and more nimble / incisive, but also not as full, weighty or slammin.
So you just gotta know where your priorities lie. What sonic camp you are in. While MC may offer slightly more inner detail and nuance than MM, if it also brings other nasties with it (or what I consider nasties), I'm not interested.
The MM (or HO MC) I have owned and liked do not sound detail-challenged in any significant way, or in any way that diminished my enjoyment. They include Dyna 20x, CA Virtuoso, CA Maestro, Cartridge Man Music Maker 3, SAE 1000E.
My main point is, it's not a given that MC is always better, or that some sonic attribute is significant lacking with MM. Some posts on discussions in this vein suggest that MC just absolutely dusts MM. IMO, just not true at all. Plenty of folks actually prefer the "MM sound". The key is to just choose the one that meshes better with your sonic preferences / priorities.
Thanks, Richidoo! :thumb:
If it were something other than a cartridge, I'd just invite a baker's dozen of you audio looneys over with whatever piece of equipment it was (e.g.: pre-amp, amp, etc...) that you were using in your system(s) and audition them in mine, one by one.
A "swap until you drop" comparison meeting! :rofl:
SN
Quote from: toobluvr on January 12, 2015, 12:17:47 PM
I really would not fret too much about missing out on a lot if you choose MM (or HO MC) over low output MC. Despite being a MC, I don't hear the Dyna 20x as being "typically MC'ish", if you know what I mean. If it did, I'd not like it. I'll take warm, full, and perhaps slightly soft/rolled/veiled any day over lean, fast, dry, clinical and hyped. 20x sounds more MM'ish to me, and meshes better w my sonic priorities than the supposedly superior Dyna 17d2 mk2....which sounds more MC'ish to me, in that it is indeed just a bit faster and more nimble / incisive, but also not as full, weighty or slammin.
Well, John... I think your one long comment highlighted in blue above, sums it up best for me. The Dynavector DV-20x2H sounds (pardon the pun) like it's the best of both worlds. I'll get the faster, more nimble, detailed sound from the MC half of it's personality and the warm, full, slamming' part from it's MM half of it's personality!
PERFECT!!! :thumb:
Thank you,
SN
Also understand that people recommend what they sell.
Business relations are forged to help each other out, that being said I like the dynavector carts and you can usually get a great deal on them, so shop around. Behind the hobby are business relationships that usually go undetected, recommendations are sometimes based around these relationships, OK more than sometimes :thumb:
Also the Soundsmith cart that Joe has is also very good and sounds great with that Phono pre you have, so don't discount built in synergy, with the added benefit of saving money and removing doubt.
Good luck in your analogue journey, remember good vinyl is the secret to analogue success, that and a good setup. If your vinyl does not sound better than your digital, than something is wrong with your setup............
Bill whatever you choose will be a whole new experience with the new TT.
I use a HOMC made by Koetsou for Goldenote. Called the Boboli. Why a HOMC ? to better match the gain of my phono stage. Using the Linn Arkiv at .15mv required a step up. Another big expense for the right one. The miracle audio phono stage as well was a stretch as well.
I did not want to really change from the Loech either. What is missing in action between the LOMC and the HOMC is not much. I would say the imaging and sound stage are not the same. Decay of notes diminished as well. TRADEOFFS are part of our hobby.
When I did try the right step up using the Arkiv no comparison to the HOMC. The step up was $1500, cart $2450 chit man that is getting crazy now. Plus cables power cords oh my !
My real issue all along was the preamp. Just did not want to part with it. Just to good overall. So drew a line in the sand about the Preamp.
IMO the phono stage has more do do with sonics than the cart. Correct PS will make most cart sound VG. The wrong PS will limit sound.
If it were me it would be PS first then cart consideration. but that is me.
charles
Quote from: rollo on January 14, 2015, 07:51:50 AM
Bill whatever you choose will be a whole new experience with the new TT.... IMO the phono stage has more do do with sonics than the cart. Correct PS will make most cart sound VG. The wrong PS will limit sound. If it were me it would be PS first then cart consideration. but that is me.
charles
(Note: edited for brevity. - SN)
Charles
I'm taking for granted (maybe a mistake to start with?) that a change from my 20+ year old Linn LP12 to the latest offering from VPI will make a drastic difference in my system. The 3D tonearm alone, has to be a big jump up in performance, let alone a whole new table. [-o<
Same thing with the cartridge. If I do buy the Dynavector DV-20x2H HOMC cartridge (which is what I will most likely do) it's gotta be a lot better than my current Linn Adikt MM that sold for half the price of the Dynavector on a price point basis alone. =P~
Combine the improvements of both TT and cartridge together and I am expecting to be "wow'd" by the upgrade. aa Hopefully, I'm not disappointed! :shock:
As far as the phono stage goes, I will stick with my Soundsmith MMP3 until I have $$$ to burn and a reason to upgrade it. Just look at the bright side... with the VPI Prime and Dynavector in place, the MMP3 phono stage will give me a new upgrade path eventually! :rofl:
Bill
Hey Bill.....
Just posted. Used 20x HO, low hrs, good price.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-dynavector-dv-20x-high-output-moving-coil-homc-cartridge-made-for-vpi-table-2015-01-24-analog-90066-los-angeles-ca
No affiliation with the seller, just a heads-up.
Quote from: toobluvr on January 24, 2015, 10:32:10 AM
Hey Bill.....
Just posted. Used 20x HO, low hrs, good price.
http://app.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-dynavector-dv-20x-high-output-moving-coil-homc-cartridge-made-for-vpi-table-2015-01-24-analog-90066-los-angeles-ca
No affiliation with the seller, just a heads-up.
Thanks for the heads up. I just messaged the guy. I'm thinking this is the prior model before the 20x2H came out.
http://www.dynavector.com/products/cart/e_20x2.html
I'll keep you posted.
Bill
Looks like somebody bought it at 6:03 tonight. Bill, was that you?
Quote from: tmazz on January 24, 2015, 04:50:23 PM
Looks like somebody bought it at 6:03 tonight. Bill, was that you?
Yup!!! (Different listing though) it's NIB I just couldn't resist, especially since this was one of the HOMC cartridges that Harry at VPI suggested to me a while back.
I'm thrilled that this came up.
SN
NICE!! :drool:Let us know how it sounds. Oh wait... :roll:
Just kidding.
You're a riot, Jim. A regular riot!!! 😆
Cartridge shipped out today (actually, yesterday 2/19) and I have a Soundsmith - Counter Intuitive for VPI Tonearms en route as well.
Starting to get psyched! :drool:
SN
Remember, with a new cartridge you need to set it up twice. First time with the overhang and such as perfect as you can. Second time after a month of break in you need to fine tune your VTA/SRA by ear.
Enjoy (I'm sure you will - great cartridge)
I'm just a noob with this aspect but enjoy reading all the expertise in this thread. I'm pumped about getting my ORT Quintet Bronze next week. Only have an entry level Rega P3 but according to folks I spoke with should be a nice match up. Have a Vincent PHO8 pre.
Quote from: Brap on February 20, 2015, 07:14:50 AM
I'm just a noob with this aspect but enjoy reading all the expertise in this thread. I'm pumped about getting my ORT Quintet Bronze next week. Only have an entry level Rega P3 but according to folks I spoke with should be a nice match up. Have a Vincent PHO8 pre.
Good luck with the new arrival, Brap!
SN
Quote from: StereoNut on February 19, 2015, 10:15:04 PM
Cartridge shipped out today (actually, yesterday 2/19) and I have a Soundsmith - Counter Intuitive for VPI Tonearms en route as well.
Starting to get psyched! :drool:
SN
That $50 you spent on the Counterintuitive is going to pay for itself many times over in reduced cartridge setup grief.
Quote from: Putz on February 20, 2015, 05:29:12 PM
Quote from: StereoNut on February 19, 2015, 10:15:04 PM
Cartridge shipped out today (actually, yesterday 2/19) and I have a Soundsmith - Counter Intuitive for VPI Tonearms en route as well.
Starting to get psyched! :drool:
SN
That $50 you spent on the Counterintuitive is going to pay for itself many times over in reduced cartridge setup grief.
Thanks, Paul! :thumb:
My cartridge is getting closer!
Date: Feb 23, 2015
Local Time: 2:06 p.m.
City: Parsippany, NJ, US
Description: Arrived at sort facility
Due for delivery tomorrow! :drool:
SN
Quote from: StereoNut on February 23, 2015, 04:52:03 PM
My cartridge is getting closer!
Date: Feb 23, 2015
Local Time: 2:06 p.m.
City: Parsippany, NJ, US
Description: Arrived at sort facility
Due for delivery tomorrow! :drool:
SN
Dude,
Don't you need a turntable for that cartridge??? :duh
Thought so... :rofl:
Quote from: Triode Pete on February 23, 2015, 05:09:18 PM
Quote from: StereoNut on February 23, 2015, 04:52:03 PM
My cartridge is getting closer!
Date: Feb 23, 2015
Local Time: 2:06 p.m.
City: Parsippany, NJ, US
Description: Arrived at sort facility
Due for delivery tomorrow! :drool:
SN
Dude,
Don't you need a turntable for that cartridge??? :duh
Thought so... :rofl:
Wow, if you can't kick a guy when he's down, when can you kick him? :rofl:
Thanks guys...
Pete for kicking me and Tom for confirming it! :shock:
All I can say is this. I was really impressed with Lorenzo's vinyl set-up the other night at our club meeting. If my VPI Prime and Dynavector DV20x2H (assuming that the rest of the equipment in our systems are comparable) sound as good, I'll be a very happy boy!
SN
Quote from: StereoNut on February 23, 2015, 07:09:01 PM
Thanks guys...
Pete for kicking me and Tom for confirming it! :shock:
Come on Bill, what are friends for? :lol:
Package just got here with the cartridge.
:yay2:
Now, I just have to pray to the Vinyl Gods that my VPI Prime shows up soon! [-o<
SN
Bill, is this the audiophile version of blue b@lls? :roll:
Quote from: tmazz on February 24, 2015, 09:17:05 PM
Bill, is this the audiophile version of blue b@lls? :roll:
That pretty much sums it up, Tom! :duh
Bill
Bring it over here, I'll burn it in for ya. Three arms set up on two tables, we'll find a spot for it. You can listen for a few minutes. :rofl:
Quote from: toobluvr on February 25, 2015, 10:23:32 AM
Bring it over here, I'll burn it in for ya. Three arms set up on two tables, we'll find a spot for it. You can listen for a few minutes. :rofl:
What a guy! :thumb:
Hey, you're helping him out. That way the ne cart will be all broken in by the time his table comes in.
Bill,
You really screwed up!
You should have bought one of these turntables, even a USED one!
http://www.higherfi.com/audio_phono/sa (http://www.higherfi.com/audio_phono/sa)
I really like the AV DESIGN HAUS turntable!
Cheers,
Pete
The outpouring of thoughtfulness on this thread is just overwhelming to me!
You guys have to cut it out... I'm tearing up (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-sad011.gif) reading your posts!
SN (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)
Nice $1.29 spirit level on a $650K TT. :rofl: