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Cartridge choice for VPI Prime
I have a Prime on order that I'll hopefully see in the next month or so. I ordered the Prime with a Ortofon 2M Black but I'm waffling on that decision. I'm considering a switch to a Soundsmith Zephyr MKII or Aida. I will be be using a Lounge Audio MKIII as my phono pre-amp to start. I would be interested to hear peoples opinion on the three cartridges, and how the Soundsmith cartridges work with the 3D arm. Thanks.
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Bobby Home Modwright Oppo 205, VPI Prime w/Soundsmith Paua MKII, Zestos Andros 1.2, Line Magnetic 518ia, Daedalus Audio Argos V2, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 |
#2
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Quote:
Ed
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2 Channel - Esoteric KO3, VPI Classic, C2300, MS300, MEN220, Bryston 7b SST, B&W 802D, JL F113 (2), MDA 1000, Olive 4HD, Sonos w/Remedy, WW Silver Eclipse ICs , Stillpoints Ultra mini, MR85 tuner, Aurender A10 server Headphone listening - Audeze LCD3 with Moon Audio Black Dragon Balanced cables, Sennheiser HD650, WW silver Eclipse Nano cable, Bryston BHA-1 amp HT - MX135, OPPO 103D, B&W CDM7, B&W center, Sony 65" LCD |
#3
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I am using a ortofon cadenza red and have been enjoying it very much. I had a cadenza bronze on the prime and found it a little too laid back for my taste. When I upgraded to the Aries 3d I switched out for a cadenza red and found the slightly more aggressive sound to be better better. This could have also been in part because of the difference in tables though. I have a good buddy who didn't like the Lyra Kleos at all on his 3d arm with his classic 3, said it was too laid back a combination. He loved it on his metal arm though. So my personal conclusion is that the 3d arm sounds best with a slightly more aggressive cartridge.
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#4
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If you'd like a cartridge with a bit more detailed or forward sound compared to the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze but without the additional expense of the Black, the Cadenza Blue may be a good alternative. With its ruby cantilever it is exquisitely detailed and fits in the Cadenza line between the Red and Bronze and is priced accordingly.
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#5
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Thanks for the info. I need to stick with a MM or MI cartridge, because that's what my phono pre-amp will accommodate. This is why I was looking at the Soundsmith cartridges. Moving coil cartridge and a new phono pre might be something for later down the road.
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Bobby Home Modwright Oppo 205, VPI Prime w/Soundsmith Paua MKII, Zestos Andros 1.2, Line Magnetic 518ia, Daedalus Audio Argos V2, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 |
#6
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So a HOMC generaly will have an output of 2.5v and that's good enough for them to work on MM phono stages. |
#7
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Have both the 2M Black and the Kontrapunkt-b from Ortofon and they are excellent cartridges. You can put a SUT (step-up transformer) in front of your phono-preamp for use with an MC cartridge. The Cary phonp-preamp that I use has that feature built-in and works as advertised. Congrats on your new VPI Prime. Keep us posted.
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Glenn... Canton Reference 9 Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 & MR88 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B, ST-J75 & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag |
#8
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At the NY Audio Show, Mat Weisfeld suggested Ortofon. Grado would work, too. I don't recall specific Grado models he mentioned, but I think it was the Ortofon Black on the Prime at the show.
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SOTA, Grado, SME, Van den Hul, Gingko turntable setup; Pioneer Elite LD, BDP; Sony OLED TV; Magnum Dynalab tuner, antenna; MIT S-video cable; Pangea HDMI cables; DVDO video processor; McIntosh SACD, preamp, power amps; Telefunken Black Diamond preamp tubes; Kimber IC; Transparent IC, PC, SC; Mirage speakers; PS Audio, Shunyata PC; Audio Additives RCA caps; Furman power conditioning; Sanus: racks |
#9
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I have decided to go with the Dynavector 20x2 for my Prime. An extended listening session with both the 2M Black and Dynavector made the choice for me. Thanks to everyone who chimed in.
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Bobby Home Modwright Oppo 205, VPI Prime w/Soundsmith Paua MKII, Zestos Andros 1.2, Line Magnetic 518ia, Daedalus Audio Argos V2, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 |
#10
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Quote:
See those MC's have a dynamic sound don't they? |
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