justinsweber Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 Last night I sold off my VPI classic, SUT and Grado MI cart. I will be moving up to a VPI Prime and am building the same SUT with Cinmag step-ups. All that said, I need a new cart. I want to try something wholly new to me. So far I’ve had a Sumiko blue point 2, Grado MI, Oftofon 2M Red. I'm somewhat budge conscious and value oriented. The 2 finalists are far apart in their perspective signatures but both well thought of. The 1st would be a Denon DL103R, and is a Ortofon quintet Blue. That is everyones thoughts? Yes I want to use MC and yes I will be using with SUT (I like the sound a great deal.). So Im most interested in low output MC choices. Thanks, Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 (edited) Ive tried most those... AND... while using a cinemag sut. GIVE THE 103r SERIOUS CONSIDERATION!Be sure to hold out for a hand selected channel matched example. Edited July 4, 2015 by Schu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Clark Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 I have an Ortofon Bronze. It's pretty analytical compared to the rest of the series (I have red and blue on different tables). Pairs nicely with Klipsch. Highly recommend. Blue is also a great budget cart. Bronze is quite a leap in quality though. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justinsweber Posted July 4, 2015 Author Share Posted July 4, 2015 I’m wanting warmth and musicality over analytics. Other sugestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 (edited) I agree with your preference for LOMC and step-up. Consult with Needle Doctor if you haven't already. I suggest you audition a Transfiguration if you can. They are accurate and musical IMHO. It's what I and some others on the forum have ended up with. Edited July 4, 2015 by LarryC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joshnich Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 Hello Justin. What grado MOving Iron did you have. And how did You like it? The low output Sonata is a fav of mine. If you want to audition A denon Zu 103r let me know. It's not really for sale but it's my back up and it's just sitting here. If you want to give it a go let me know and I'll send it down your way so you can try it out. Josh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcmusic Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 The Dynavector's are a great match with the VPI tables, look into the 20X series if you really want a great sounding cart... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lemon string Posted July 4, 2015 Share Posted July 4, 2015 The Dynavector's are a great match with the VPI tables, look into the 20X series if you really want a great sounding cart... I currently have a dynavector 10x5 and really really like it. My plan is to upgrade a 20x10 LOMC when the time comes, it sure does get awesome reviews. I have a Dynavector p-75 phono stage which offers several options in configuration for different cartridge outputs. I'll be interested in hearing what you go with, keep us informed. Happy 4th Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drobo Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 If I had it do over I would go the same way with a Dynavector 10X5 or DV-20X2L depending on budget. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 (edited) DWI lawyer did a tryout between several cartridges a few years ago, which might be interesting to review and inquire concerning his current views. Edited July 5, 2015 by LarryC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarheel Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 That would be interesting to read Larry. Can anyone find it and post? Still using a Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 (edited) That would be interesting to read Larry. Can anyone find it and post? Here it is: https://community.klipsch.com/index.php?/topic/85166-cartridge-auditions-part-deaux-photos/ I hesitated to post the thread because it's a little old, but I think he still has the Transfiguration. and am pretty sure he still has the superlative Basis TT and Vector arm. Perhaps he'll chime in and give us an update. Another forum member, whose set has been well-regarded here, also has a Transfiguration cart and Basis Vector arm. Edited July 5, 2015 by LarryC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justinsweber Posted July 5, 2015 Author Share Posted July 5, 2015 OK as an off the wall question. Would you rather CInmag SUT with DENON 103R or Ortolan 2M Black MM? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 (edited) If you're asking me, I don't have an authoritative opinion on either combo. I suggest you try to audition as best you can -- my perception is that MM's have a different characteristic from MC's, especially in the bass. To some extent, this means system matching is involved, i.e., speaker and amplifier bass that will match the bass fullness and firmness of an MM vs what I perceive as a greater exactness but a bit thinner bass of MC's (as a general rule -- MHO only). That might give you a better idea. Someone here offered to ship you a Denon to audition, and that might help decide. It seems to me So Cal has some dealers that carry Transfigs or perhaps Ortofon MCs, if that would help. Edited July 6, 2015 by LarryC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Travis In Austin Posted July 5, 2015 Moderators Share Posted July 5, 2015 I agree with your preference for LOMC and step-up. Consult with Needle Doctor if you haven't already. I suggest you audition a Transfiguration if you can. They are accurate and musical IMHO. It's what I and some others on the forum have ended up with. I concur in that suggestion wholeheartedly. Many years ago I posted my thoughts on several MC cartridges I auditioned, the thread is here. https://community.klipsch.com/index.php?/topic/85166-cartridge-auditions-part-deaux-photos/ You will have to forgive my shortcomings in being able to articulate what I was seeking, and what I was hearing. I hope it may be of some help to you. LarryC was very instrumental in helping me to achive what I was looking for. I wish you the same success. Travis 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Travis In Austin Posted July 5, 2015 Moderators Share Posted July 5, 2015 DWI lawyer did a tryout between several cartridges a few years ago, which might be interesting to review and inquire concerning his current views. Oppps, our posts crossed, I had to respond to a police shooting in Austin last last night and was tied up for many hours just became aware of this great thread. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebes Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 OK as an off the wall question. Would you rather CInmag SUT with DENON 103R or Ortolan 2M Black MM? I may be wrong, but I have seem to have heard somewhere that the Cinemag SUT's have a noisy floor. Noise is a common problem with boosting the very low output of moving coils, so system matching and a tolerance for background noise while using a LOMC could be in order on a system with an amp putting out, oh say, over 15 watts. Me, I'm a fan of LOMC's but they are not problem free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted July 6, 2015 Share Posted July 6, 2015 (edited) Noise is a common problem with boosting the very low output of moving coils, so system matching and a tolerance for background noise while using a LOMC could be in order on a system with an amp putting out, oh say, over 15 watts. Me, I'm a fan of LOMC's but they are not problem free. Marty, I would say LOMCs are not challenge-free, but if properly matched up gain- and maybe impedance-wise, I think they can be very quiet. My current LOMC Transfiguration has a rather low output voltage (0.48 mv), but matches up beautifully with my preamp's 61-dB phono stage gain. The combination is a very quiet phono indeed. The figures that may have to be taken into account can include several things: cart output, MC phonostage gain, overall phonostage gain (if separate), line stage gain, and amplifier voltage sensitivity (this may be what you're referring to, Marty). Not always easy. I do have system noise from my OTL amps, but the Orpheus is the quietest cart I've had yet. Noise issues are sometimes difficult to solve, but have to be carefully examined as to just why noise is there. Edited July 6, 2015 by LarryC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Travis In Austin Posted July 6, 2015 Moderators Share Posted July 6, 2015 That is a great point Larry on the matching. I had the advantage of knowing that Gary's was running same brand on same phono pre, and I had send the cartridge specs to Mark, [the Mfg] to to get his input, and finally, I had an opportunity to audition it on my equipment first which of course is the best way to tell if feasible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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