 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
174.62.235.138
I am seeking cartridge recommendations in the $800 to $1,200. Here's background:
I have my Scout with a Benz Ace HO running into a borrowed Grado PH-1, which is connected to my Conrad Johnson CA-200 (185 wpc ss control amp), which is driving my new Dynaudio Focus 160s. My phono preamp, a Juicy Music Tercel, was not a great match, so it's in my other system and the Grado is a loaner from a friend who no longer uses it. System sounds awesome!
Based on archive searches here and internet searches in general, and also on advice from my local B&M dealer, I have ordered a new PS Audio GCPH (with a discount, but without an audition as the dealer does not keep it in stock). I don't usually buy new equipment without an audition, so we'll see.
I am going to have my local dealer check the stylus on the Benz Ace, and assuming it has sufficient life on it, my plan is to keep it through at least the burn in period of the PS Audio, which is seemingly a fairly long time (200 - 300 hours?). Then I'll want to upgrade or at least replace the Ace, as it's now a few years old.
I love the Benz Ace, and have though of "upgrading" to a Benz Ace S LO, or perhaps to a Glider S LO (but my dealer tells me it's impossible to get Benz cartridges these days?).
Here is my very short list, again based largely on this site, the broader internet and my dealer's recommendations:
1. Benz Ace or Glider (LO S), if they become available again. I am pretty confident I'll like either based on my history with the ACE.
2. Dynavector 20XL-2. Seems to be a darling of Vinyl Asylum going back for years here, and a good match for the Scout.
3. Dynavector 17D3. Also seems to be a darling here, and a good match with the Scout (but may need added headshell weight?)
4. Clearaudio Maestro Wood. Seems perhaps less popular on this forum, but very popular among it's owners.
Any thoughts on these or others, given that I have the basic Scout with the non-upgraded JMW-9 arm? I am generally inclined to try a LO MC cart, as I've never done so before and the PS Audio should permit that, but am also open to HO MC or MM suggestions in my price range.
I listen to just about all types of music and like extension and dynamics and transparency, but not a thin or overly analytical sound.
I'd love to audition first, but I just don't see that happening with a cartridge. Thanks in advance!
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."
Follow Ups:
I have the GCPH, LP12 and Alphason 100HRS tone arm. I use a ZU-DL103R cartridge and love it much. Very musical!
I will have some time to decide assuming the needle on the ACE checks out as not too worn, as I'd like to give the PS Audio some break in time before a swap, but your advice has been helpful for planning.
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."
Let me tell you, I have an ACE as well as a wood body Glider (the one up from the basic Glider). I can tell you, if you like the Scout, you'll LOVE the wood body, though it may be a bit of a stretch. I actually don't think the ACE is a great match with the Scout arm. Comparatively speaking, it sounds dull or polite to me in comparison with the wood body series Glider. I have also had a basic Glider, though not on the JMW-9 arm and I think it's a better cartridge than the ACE.
Bes at Music Direct loves the ACE, but not on the JMW-9 arm, but he agrees that the wood-body Glider is a really good match. He personally feels that the wood-body Glider is the sweet spot in the Benz line, the best value per se.
I haven't heard the Dynavector 20X series, but Harry Weisfeld loves it on his tables. The Karat is a different sounding cartridge than the 20X. Harry told me once that with the 20X, you give up soundstage depth, but otherwise really plays music. I lent him my wood-body Glider and he thought it was a great cartridge, but heard a bit of a recessed midrange (I agree -- the whole Benz line does). He told me he thought the wood-body would be a fantastic cartridge if the midrange didn't have that slight dip. Nonetheless, the Benz wood-body is really musical. Not the fastest, but it's a great cartridge to listen to over the long haul.
I have heard a Soundsmith Zephyr and, while it was extremely fast, it left me rather cold.
In any event, you like the overall flavor of the ACE, so you'll get that, but a MUCH more engaging cartridge in the wood-body (or even the Glider, though the Glider is a bit light for the JMW-9 -- you'll need some headshell weights).
Give VPI a call and they can add their recommendation as well.
When I had a Scout I had several carts, including a Dyna 20xl and Clearaudio Maestro Wood. You can't go wrong with either, but for different reasons. If you want a smooth overall presentation with a midrange to die for, good but not excessive bass and a slightly soft treble, go with the Dyna. If you want something more dynamic with exceptional bass and extended highs but not quite as golden in the middle, go with the Maestro. In my system of that time the Dyna gave a deeper soundstage, the maestro a wider one. Both were very nice, but not as nice as the next step up, Dyna' XX2 mk2. Much more money, that one...Just my $.02
on my Scout with satisfying results. Phono preamp was a Hagerman Cornet 2 and used a CineMag SUT in front.
Opus 104
Benz and Dynas are always good with a VPI arm, however because you like the Benz sound, I would stick with that. I'd call Musical Surroundings and tell Garth that you are having difficulties securing a new Benz cart, and I'm sure he'll make one appear for you with a snap of his finger.
The GCPH is outstanding. I'm quite pleased with mine.
-Wendell
Post a Followup:
| FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
