Calling all cartridge experts

[jimbones]

Soliciting advice on LOMC Cartridges in the $800-1300 proice range for my VPI Classic II. Upgrading from my Benz Micro Glider HOMC.

[S Clark]

Well, until the "experts" chime in I'll throw my 2 cents worth in. 
The only cart in this range I have any real experience with is the Dynavector 20x2.  It's been around a long time, and you can read  dozens of reviews on it. 
I find it has excellent definition without detail being etched or in your face.  A knowledgeable friend likes my Ortofon Quintet blue better... but he only listens for perhaps an hour at a time.  I have both cartridges on the same table, but with different arms, preamps and cables, so there are multiple factors involved in the sound... and the preamps do sound different. But,  I find that the Dynavector just sounds "right" to me.

[jimbones]

A couple of cartridges that have my interest are the 20X2L and the Hana ML.

[S Clark]

Ok, let's see if we can make a connection.  I've also got a Sumiko Blackbird in another system... very nice cartridge.  Like it almost, but not as much as the Dynavector; pretty close with the Ortofon Blue or a tad better.  My late friend, Gary Dodd, used the Blackbird to voice his phono preamp.  I have a friend that has both a Blackbird and a Hana ML.  He likes the Blackbird better (but claims it's a bear to set up right).  So if the Blackbird > Hana,  and if Dynavector > Blackbird, then Dynavector has to be the best?? Right??
They are all good cartridges.  I find them to be better sounding than the innumerable cartridges at the $500 price point. 

[jimbones]

Thats funny, I think all audiophile use the same reasoning protocol. Let me think about this for a minute.

[Brap]

Makes sense to me.  Do you walk to school or carry your lunch? 

[toobluvr]

I'm no expert, but set up right I have no reservations whatsoever in wholeheartedly recommending the low output Dyna 20x2.

My buddy uses one in his VPI Scout / JMW 9 arm setup and it is fantastic.  Rest of his rig is KandK phono section, Almarro 308B integrated and Zu Dirty Weekends.

Matter of fact, he bought the 20X from me!  I acquired a cart higher up the Dyna chain at almost 2X the price (the XX2-Mk2) and figured the 20X was expendable.  I sometimes question my decision --  that's how good the 20x is!!   

Believe the hundreds (if not thousands) of online opinions that are heavily weighted to the positive on this cart.  Like someone said earlier,  "it just sounds RIGHT!"   

[jimbones]

I got a good deal on a new unmounted 20X2L. Couldn't pass up. Now to summon my team to install 😉

[S Clark]

Excellent!  Please post your thoughts after you get it set up.   If you like it, remember I recommended it.  If not, you can blame Toobluvr. 

[jimbones]

Gahh

[toobluvr]

Excellent!  Please post your thoughts after you get it set up.   If you like it, remember I recommended it.  If not, you can blame Toobluvr. 

You don't like it....it's not set up right!     

[James Edward]

I got a good deal on a new unmounted 20X2L. Couldn't pass up. Now to summon my team to install 😉

You have a team? Must be nice... Enjoy the new cartridge.

[etcarroll]

Gahh

Well that can't be good. I hope not a snapped off stylus. Can't be the sound, I've had a 20x2L on my SuperScoutMaster since I bought it some years back.

[jimbones]

I got a good deal on a new unmounted 20X2L. Couldn't pass up. Now to summon my team to install 😉

You have a team? Must be nice... Enjoy the new cartridge.

It's nice to have friends lol! I consider TMazz and Triode Pete as experts when it comes to set up. I lost the third man (BobM) as he is in FLA now. I can't wait as I think there are opportunities for improvement. Not that my current cartridge sounds bad.

[BobM]

You've got the right guys on your list. Tom and Pete will "Set You Up"