Dynavector, Denon or Lyra Cart on Roksan Nima?


I just purchased a Roksan Radius 5 TT and I need to pick up a cartridge. I own Canary Line and Phono stage pre-amps. The Canary CA-400 supports MC and MM carts.

I've been reading a lot about cartridges and I narrowed my search to the Denon DL-304 (the 103R doesn't have as much mass/compliance as the 304).

I'm also considering spending more money to get a used Dyna like the Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua, or the XX-2 MK II, or even the 10x5.

The Lyra Helikon has great reviews and it is priced around the same as the Dyna TKR when purchased used.

I don't know if I'd be outspecing my Nima tonearm by picking up a very high-end tonearm like the Dyna TKR or the Lyra Helikon.

So, I hope that someone out there has some experience with the Roksan/Nima TT. From what I read, matching tonearm/cart/phono for synergy is critical at this level.

That being said, the Denon DL-304 is no sloch and for $400 is a great bargain. But, like everything else in audio, spending more money on well reviewed equipment brings a higher amount of joy to the listener. I know the TKR and Helikon would both perform beautifully, but I don't know if I'd be able to get everything out of either cart due to limits of my TT.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Mark

look beautiful,
aceboympk

Showing 2 responses by audiofeil

IMO, you'd be spending unnecessary money on a Te Kaitora Rua, Helikon or XX-2. The Nima is simply not capable of optimizing those cartridges.

If you like the Dyna sound, stay with the 10X5 or 20X. Both work very well with the Nima.

The low to mid priced Zyx cartridges are also nice products.

Dealer disclaimer.