Cartridge Recommendation for VPI Classic

[joe1515]

I need help picking out my cartridge. I spoke to Mike from VPI and these are the cartridges he recommends for the Classic table;

-Dynavector 20x
-Grado Reference
-Sumiko Blackbird

I am leaning to-wards the blackbird for a few reasons, sumiko has a really good trade up program which will allow me to trade up my blue point #2. Mike from VPI said they use the blackbird all the time in their tables and he loves the sound. I have read many very positive reviews about the cartridge.

I currently have the Pro-Ject Phono Box II pre amp which I will be upgrading within the next year so. What do you guys think?

Thanks,

Joe

[Gremal]

I'd go with the Dynavector, although I myself use the Aurum Beta S. Might go with the Dynavector if I had to do it over.

[richteer]

I've not heard the Blackbird but it does have a pretty good rep. That, and Sumiko's trade up policy make the Blackbird a pretty much slam-dunk. If budget permits, you might consider carts from Lyra too.

[Johnny Vinyl]

I have a Grado Reference Platinum which I have enjoyed tremendously. I cannot comment on the others as I've not really listened to any of them recently.

Have you heard any of these yourself yet, Joe?

John

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by John72953

I have a Grado Reference Platinum which I have enjoyed tremendously. I cannot comment on the others as I've not really listened to any of them recently.

Have you heard any of these yourself yet, Joe?

John

No I have not heard any of them yet. I want to narrow down my choices and then start the audition process. Which is not easy, but I will try.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by joe1515

No I have not heard any of them yet. I want to narrow down my choices and then start the audition process. Which is not easy, but I will try.

I think in all of our auditioning adventures, trying to have a listen to a cartridge of interest is one of the most difficult. Especially today with the seemingly fewer and fewer independant audio dealers about and the shift to digital even more so.

I chose the Grado Platinum because of a comfort zone. I previously owned their 8MZ and I choose it after having had the opportunity to listen to others. I am familiar with their sound signature and it is (obviously) one I like. I personally think they are very well rounded. They may lack a little here and there, but for overall performance and satisfaction ( as well consistancy over time) they deliver. That however is just my experience and no reflection on any other cartridge manufacturer.

The Lyras, Koetsus, Sumikos, Dynavectors, et al are equally as good, but with different characteristics. In the end, they are all good and certainly at the level of cartridge expenditure you are considering.

Good luck in your auditioning quest....I would certainly love to be there with you!

John

[richteer]

Originally Posted by John72953

I think in all of our auditioning adventures, trying to have a listen to a cartridge of interest is one of the most difficult. Especially today with the seemingly fewer and fewer independant audio dealers about and the shift to digital even more so.

Agreed. Assuming all goes well (work is still in progress behind the scenes), this is something I hope my Vinylphile Magazine* will address. Of course, there's no substitute for listening with your own ears in your own system, but reviews can certainly help narrow down the options to 2 or 3 shortlisted cartridges, which ine can try to audition personally.

* I'm very close to making a go/no-go decision. Stay tuned!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by richteer

Agreed. Assuming all goes well (work is still in progress behind the scenes), this is something I hope my Vinylphile Magazine* will address. Of course, there's no substitute for listening with your own ears in your own system, but reviews can certainly help narrow down the options to 2 or 3 shortlisted cartridges, which ine can try to audition personally.

* I'm very close to making a go/no-go decision. Stay tuned!

Waiting patiently in anticipation!

John

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by John72953

Waiting patiently in anticipation!

John

As am I.

Rich

[richteer]

Thanks for the support, guys. I appreciate it.

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by John72953

Waiting patiently in anticipation!

John

Especially me!

[joe1515]

What about Benz Micro or Shelter?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by joe1515

What about Benz Micro or Shelter?

Both are fine makers of cartridges with a wide range of cartridges at many price levels.

Rich

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by joe1515

What about Benz Micro or Shelter?

The name Benz scares my bank acount!

John

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by John72953

The name Benz scares my bank acount!

John

John,

The Benz Micro line starts at about $250 US. They do run to at least $5,000 for those at the upper end of the line.

Rich

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

John,

The Benz Micro line starts at about $250 US. They do run to at least $5,000 for those at the upper end of the line.

Rich

LOL! I know Rich..it was a joke!

John

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by John72953

LOL! I know Rich..it was a joke!

John

You caught me in that one.

Rich

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

John,

The Benz Micro line starts at about $250 US. They do run to at least $5,000 for those at the upper end of the line.

Rich

I was interested in the Benz Micro Glider medium output. Retail price is $1,000.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by joe1515

I was interested in the Benz Micro Glider medium output. Retail price is $1,000.

The Glider has a good reputation. But, I have never heard one to the best of my knowledge.

Rich

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by John72953

The name Benz scares my bank acount!

John

Funny you say that my wife said, what a Mercades