Cartridge for my new HW-40 TT
 

So, I have a bit of time till my HW-40 turntable ships. I will probably be using this with my Accuphase system in the Cape w/ a C-37 phono pre.

https://www.analogplanet.com/images/.../1018.HW40.jpg

What cartridge would you mate with it?

Interestingly, the C-37 also happens to commemorate Accuphase’s 40th year. :ok:

I think I would try a Lyra Kleos on that level of table Ivan.

Ivan.......The HW-40 is a fine looking turntable. My one grip with the aesthetics is the size of the silk screened logo and 40th Anniversary Direct Drive advertising. The turntable would be far more attractive had VPI be a bit more discreet with the size. It is distracting in my opinion, particularly on a turntable at that price point.

I think you could might enjoy an Ortofon A95 on this turntable.

Lyra Etna . Heard it already in my friend’s system VPI FatBoy Gimbal in an HR-X . We listened using ARC REF electronics ( arc REF 10 linestage , REF 10 Phono stage , REF 750 SE Monoblocks ) w/ Sonus Fabre Aida’s series 1 . It sounds sublime . It relegated his other turntable ( Kronos , w/ upgraded power supply , KUZMA 4 point 11” and Clearaudio Goldfinger V2 ) as his secondary table . He also made a comment how come that this cheaper setup is more enjoyable to listen too.

Harry's using the Soundsmith Hyperion at CAF on that TT.

Highly recommend Phasemation PP-1000 using it with my Accuphase gear and it has great synergy!

While am certainly a fan of my Kleos, think I would go for the Ortofon A95.

Some great suggestions here, thanks.

Dan,
I believe the production models will have the logo and lettering on the back and leave the plinth clean.

Kevin.......I saw a photo of the VPI HW-40 with a clean plinth and no logo. It may have been a pre-production model. It looked more appealing to my eyes than seeing the white silk screened 40th anniversary advertising on an otherwise great looking turntable. Perhaps if they reduced the overall font size it might not be such a distraction.


https://www.analogplanet.com/images/.../1018.HW40.jpg

I wonder if Herman has released his higher tier Kiseki NS cartridges. I believe VPI had a Kiseki Purple Heart NS on some tables before and I really think they are sublime. Not too expensive so maybe not the best match price wise to the Classic Anniversary.

Ivan,
Not sure what I was thinking by sending you the text I sent - you already get a great discount by being a dealer. :doh: :doh:

That’s ok, I appreciate the thought. :o

Last I contacted Kiseki's Herman van den Dungen in April, he responded that their Agate NS was 99% certain to be available by September. Yet there is still no further update on its actual availability on their website... :scratch2:

I’m almost afraid to ask how much the Agate is ;)

The PurpleHeart is really good on my Acoustic Signature Thunder Mk2 And TA5000 12” arm

Lyra Atlas SL. It will wipe the floor with everything else.

Mates really well with my Accuphase C-37 as well.

Lyra Etna SL if you do not want to hear all the truth :-)

My Lyra Atlas will migrate over from my Super Scoutmaster.

All these photos are of a prototype; Mat hasn't decided on the final graphic design yet.

Dan: I have my A95 mounted on a 12” Fatboy arm on my Classic Direct Drive. It is a match made in heaven!

While not a direct comparison, I'm using my A95 on a 12" Fatboy on a new Classic Direct. It is amazingly detailed and it tracks like a champ. My installer played an album by Charlie Byrd with a drum solo that was not only incredibly dynamic, but on other tables created feedback and in some wouldn't even track at volume. I went ahead and found a copy of the album so it can be one of my demo discs.

https://img.discogs.com/s_sZzvrUDfXf...-5841.jpeg.jpg

It's the best I've heard my Lyra Atlas sound, which is saying something. :-)

Bill - have you posted a pic or three of your new rig? Be great to see for those of us who live vicariously. :thumbsup:

I would, but I don't have a photo hosting service and you can't directly attach photos here. :D

Ivan - Did your HW-40 arrive? Which cartridge did you go with?

I have it, but not set it up yet. I have a few cartridges, but haven’t decided which one to mount.

Koetsu cartridge the Urushi Vermillion makes me weak at the knees!

https://www.dagogo.com/koetsu-cartri...atinum-review/

Ivan,
Looking fwd to pics and review of this highly anticipated table.

An owner has been posting these:

The Look of Love - ABC • 45rpm/12" Single [VPI HW-40 Anniversary Direct Drive]

Ivan .... Any plans to see if you can adapt Stillpoints in place of the factory feet? Not that you would ever do such a thing! :no:

I am certainly of little help choosing a cartridge however I could mention, VPI was developing the HW-40 feet design during my facility tour and explained to me the turntable is asymmetrical weight wise and that each foot required a variation in design for optimal results. This was during the product development stage and I have no information on the final design differences (if any) between each the four production feet that ship stock from the factory. Stillpoints an improvement DUNNO however the cartridge VPI was also developing at the time of my visit sounded beautiful installed on the WH-40 and on display at the VPI house. Not sure if this cartridge is available or even in the same league as the ones mention above but I tip my hat to the HW-40 and the grand choice to crown the Accuphase system with this TT.

Buddy... I have experimented with Ultra 5’s under VPI TT’s stock feet. The results are very good; albeit expensive.

What did you decide on for your HW-40, Ivan?

I know I’m late to this party but I’ve been so happy with my Dynavector XV1-S on my Fatboy that I’d highly recommend the Dyna XV1-S or even better, their top of the line XV1-T.

In fact, I’m desperately trying to put together a business case for why I absolutely need to trade my -1S on a -1T. . .

Steve

Then again, an Audio-Technica AT-ART1000 would look and sound really good on that HW-40, too!

Steve

Steve... I went with an Airtight PC-1 Coda

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sh146ThYb...277504_n-1.jpg

Beautiful cartridge. Thanks. I’ll bet the Airtight and HW-40 sound super together.

Steve