[MarSanz]

Originally Posted by zettelsm

I would say the Grado definitely gives you all the detail of the XV1-S and then some. I am hearing nuances and a depth of texture on familiar LPs that I’ve never heard from the Dynavector, yet the Aeon never sounds analytical. It is the most natural sounding cartridge I’ve ever heard.

I had a friend over today for a day of listening to music. He’s an experienced audiophile and he’s heard my current system with the XV1-S. His reaction to the Grado Aeon was priceless.

You’ve heard the expression, “jaw-dropping”? He literally sat there with his mouth open in disbelief from the first needle-drop and when he finally spoke his first words were to the effect, “You’ve GOT to be kidding me! That is so much better than your Dynavector!”

I agree with him completely. My XV1-S, while I’d never before thought of it as excessively analytical, definitely sounds hi-fi compared to the Aeon’s very natural, very beautiful and very detailed sound.

I’m not one to throw recommendations around, but I would unhesitatingly urge anyone with an interest in cartridges in this price range to go out of their way to hear a Grado Aeon.

I can only imagine what the Epoch sounds like!

I hope this helps.

Steve

Thanks for the impression Steve, this sounds like my kind of cartridge, I prefer a more natural sound with all the details as well. Here we go again! SMH!