Cart Upgrade Suggestions from Ortofon and Dynavector

Who is Bob?

 

Owner.

He randomly ended up in my boat this year.

I didn't think of it at the time, but we probably should have tried fishing a Serendipity that day!

 

Thanks, it sounds great! Although I am looking at a discounted version of the older model- the non-star MIMC. should sound close (hopefully).

 

i might have to flip a coin!

 

Surprised no love here for ZYX!!

The R100 model is highly recommended. I believe there are two versions; 0.24mV and 0.48mV output voltages.

I have the 0.48mV as well as ZYX UNIverse and it competes head-to-head with the UNIverse at a 1/4 of the cost.

Micro ridge diamond and is an excellent tracker.

 

It really does. Outstanding in fact.

Been throwing some really complex **** at it, today and it hasn't done anything short of impress me.

 

The older model Zephyr MIMC is all sold out. It was going for $1200. I saw a deal for the new MIMC star and am ready to pull the trigger. Great review on Analog Planet and a personal recommendation from an industry insider.
Keep us posted on its progress.

 

ART 9

 

reading great things about it. please share your experiences- past carts- and why you like it!

 

Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

 

Let's see. The aliveness of this is hard to explain, at least with my limited vocabulary. It's balanced, ballsy and bloom all wrapped together. In Other Words, not clinical. It's got it all, delicacy, depth & detail. This reproduces music with ease and gives me goosebumps every time. We have 4 tables up and running. AT OC9II, Shure V15/SAS - Modded SC35C - 91ED, Grados w8mz's. The ART9 does it all. Classical, Blues, vocals. And I can't forget the modded 103r.

 

Not to make things harder on you, Avanti, but I just denuded my Quintet Black and it's now on a whole new level! All the talk of new cartridges in this thread made me remember that I might not be getting everything out of my current one. I had been meaning to try this and it's way cheaper (free) than buying something new.

It seems like the plastic body was adding some resonance. With that removed the bass is significantly tighter and the mids are SO clear now, no mud, but everything still sounds really sweet. Now i'm going to have to find something else to tweak

 

Was it as easy as removing one screw like this one-



you didn't make it any harder- it's already impossible to pick one!

 

You remove that one screw and then find a couple of long cartridge screws. Then screw both screws in until you bottom out. Carefully screw down both screws evenly and they will push the body off. If you've done this evenly, the body now is loose and you can slide it off the cantilever. If you go really slowly it's pretty impossible to screw up.

Between doing that and a fresh alignment I'm super happy with it.

 

I wish more publications would review cartridges like this one-
They keep the music references short and sweet while comparing one to another, the frequency response and distortion plots are very valuable info.

http://www.artsexcellence.com/downloads/reviews/benz-micro-ace.hifi-news.artsexcellence.pdf

 

So...? You decide yet?

 

Congrats you are happy with the CADENZA BLACK. Once you move up the price there are a lot of choices. I would like to add the SUMIKO line. From The Blackbird to the Palos Santos you get excellent carts for your cash. I also love the japanese KOETSO Rosewood line. Of course you can spend a fortune on their to carts, like LYRA, too.

 

Quite. Great review. It certainly didn't hurt in me deciding on the (same) Benz Micro, which in retrospect they sum-up really well.

 

No. This is the most difficult audio decision I have ever struggled with. I almost ordered the Soundsmith MIMC Star. Either that one or the Audio Technica ART9.

 

Still loving mine...amazing upgrade for me. Didn't think I'd be this happy considering the cost.
I'm already getting worried about wth I am going to do when I need a re-tip!

 

I just might. This video made me put my finger on the trigger. You can hear how fast and micro dynamic the cartridge is, which is an upgrade goal.
But that doggone ART9 has incredible user reviews and was winner of three awards in Japan the year after it was introduced.

 

The MIMC Star is made in 'Merica! Peekskill, NY.

And, it really is nothing short of revelatory.
I could go on and on about the damned thing... All of it complimentary. And I am really trying to be more critical than enthusiastic as I break it in.

 

Could always find out if these guys are an authorized dealer

Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Low Output Phono Cartridge (Comp VPI Unipivot & Gimbaled) | eBay »

EDIT: Actually read the description. They're a private party

 

Dynavector 17D3. I will never buy another cart as long as it is available. Flattest frequency response, best tracking, no noise, no coloration (@ 200 ohms). But, if you like hearing gear with character, this ain't for you. It's the most "invisible" cart I've heard. If a particular record has rolled-off bass or highs (most) you'll hear it compared when to a the cd. If it's a record with a full-on audiophile-type mastering, I've heard no better.