i would opt for the AT VM540 MM cart with your table. then sell the Phonomena, and look for a used Chinook. The VM540 cart is over looked because of its lower price. but its a musical cart, and mates extreeeemely well with your table and a chinook phono stage.
AT 33SA or OC9 for 1200 mk5
Been trying to narrow down a cart after my 301 mk2 received damage. I extended my budget to include the 33SA, but have been going back and forth with the Shibata and Micro line stylus.
The PTG/2 was at the top of my list until I started hearing more about the 33SA. However I have spoken with a few people about their bias towards the OC9XSL which then gets debated in a few threads over the OC9 with the micro line stylus.
My phonostage is a Phonomena 2, I have the 12g Zupreme headshell but still have the stock headshell if needed, upgrades include the Cardas rewire.
Smooth top end and controlling sibliance is a high priority, seems most AT carts in this range do this while some are better than others.
What started as what I thought was an easy choice has my head in circles..lol.
I'm not well versed on how cart compliance affects the end result if cart choice is not carefully selected.
All input appreciated.
The PTG/2 was at the top of my list until I started hearing more about the 33SA. However I have spoken with a few people about their bias towards the OC9XSL which then gets debated in a few threads over the OC9 with the micro line stylus.
My phonostage is a Phonomena 2, I have the 12g Zupreme headshell but still have the stock headshell if needed, upgrades include the Cardas rewire.
Smooth top end and controlling sibliance is a high priority, seems most AT carts in this range do this while some are better than others.
What started as what I thought was an easy choice has my head in circles..lol.
I'm not well versed on how cart compliance affects the end result if cart choice is not carefully selected.
All input appreciated.