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Post by antonio on Nov 7, 2022 14:57:16 GMT
The last two weeks were time spent on holiday. During this time I spent a lot of time listening to music, so I fitted my DV XX2 MkII. I really enjoy this cartridge. It may not be one for the Ortofon fan boys, but not being one, it suits me fine. I also spent a lot of time listening to the digital side of my system. Unless a R2R DAC comes up at a good price at the right time, I am in no hurry to change it. I know my system is not perfect, but to get anything much better is going to cost some serious moolah. If you are happy with your set-up why spend more. Too many of us get drawn in to thinking we will find improvements by spending more, the chances are the sound will improve but not by the hoped for percentage, by a long chalk.
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Post by robbiegong on Nov 7, 2022 14:57:58 GMT
I like Ortofon's but do get that some may find them a bit safe sounding / not particular euphoric or exciting.
Generally speaking, Ortofons in my experience tend to not impart much of a character of their own, dna being more about neutrality and accuracy, as is their mission statement 'true to the groove' I guess. I also do think their carts can be a bit pricey.
There are definitely good alternatives, that wont break the bank. Hana come to mind and get good reviews, for good sound and very good value for money. Dynavectors are long established and a number of their reasonably priced mc's have a rep for being very enjoyable, Audio Technicas are another choice, good vfm, although I've often seen 'bright' associated with them ( cant be all ?)
ZYX seem to offer up some very good carts at sensible money. I've heard a few that Andy-Electronumpty has had ZYX R50 bloom, R100, and Ultimate 100 I believe ? all have sounded excellent with lovely natural instrumental texture / timbre which has always impressed and caught my attention.
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Post by antonio on Nov 7, 2022 15:09:53 GMT
@mickeyb I'm also very much at that point especially as I reckon I'd need to spend minimum mid 4 figures to make any meaningful change. Like you I also went the ML to Koetsu route, first a BGL and now an RSP, however I'm seriously thinking about swapping in an EEI 555MCP inplace of the RSP to see if I really need to be at this level. The EEI was the same price as a Koetsu Rosewood when it came out in the 80s, but only cost me £80 last year. Considering vinyl currently only forms about 5% of my listening, do I really need such a spendy cart on my deck?? No you don't John, it would be spending for spendings sake, even if you were listening to vinyl 20% of the time. I'll leave it to you to calculate the cost of listening to one album, how many will you be able to play before you need to change the cartridge or have it re-tipped.
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Post by lurch on Nov 7, 2022 15:27:36 GMT
@mickeyb I'm also very much at that point especially as I reckon I'd need to spend minimum mid 4 figures to make any meaningful change. Like you I also went the ML to Koetsu route, first a BGL and now an RSP, however I'm seriously thinking about swapping in an EEI 555MCP inplace of the RSP to see if I really need to be at this level. The EEI was the same price as a Koetsu Rosewood when it came out in the 80s, but only cost me £80 last year. Considering vinyl currently only forms about 5% of my listening, do I really need such a spendy cart on my deck?? No you don't John, it would be spending for spendings sake, even if you were listening to vinyl 20% of the time. I'll leave it to you to calculate the cost of listening to one album, how many will you be able to play before you need to change the cartridge or have it re-tipped. Won't be spending owt as already have the RSP which I picked up for £1500 18 months ago. So was thinking more about needing to keep it, will wait till after my BO next weekend then look at doing the swap to see what the EEI does on my 12" Enterprise4. Currently I mainly use it on an R200/401 in 2nd system though have heard it briefly in my mates Stax UA9 on an SP10 when I took it over in a Rega headshell,it did sound nice, plenty of air space and detail.
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