I'd recommend buying a MintLP before you upgrade the cartridge.I totaly agree.
Before I upgrade my cart from Dyna 20xl to an XX2
I have a Scoutmaster with the 9" arm, MuFi A308 Amp, using it's internal phono stage, and Vandersteen 3a Signatures.
I listen to mostly Classical, large-scale and chamber/solo. I'm very happy with the sound and I have very few lp's in which tracking is a problem. For the most part I enjoy big, open and rhythmically-lively sound. My only complaints have been regarding choral and solo piano music, esp. towards the end of records: the sound can get a little bit "tizzy." (Even on previously unplayed--undamaged--records).
Dense, climactic passages, (of course at the end of pieces and thus usually in the last parts of the lp), also "thin" a little bit in sound, compared to the beginning of the record. I've read up on the physics of Lp's and understand that the thinness towards the end of records can be an inherent problem with the Lp format.
I hasten to add that overall, I'm still a big fan of Lp's. Overall.
My question: I don't want to trade up unless the XX2 will markedly improve the sound at the end of records by yielding increased transparency, bloom and air. Will someone who's been on this path, preferably with the same equipment, let me know his or her feelings on the matter? Thanks.
I listen to mostly Classical, large-scale and chamber/solo. I'm very happy with the sound and I have very few lp's in which tracking is a problem. For the most part I enjoy big, open and rhythmically-lively sound. My only complaints have been regarding choral and solo piano music, esp. towards the end of records: the sound can get a little bit "tizzy." (Even on previously unplayed--undamaged--records).
Dense, climactic passages, (of course at the end of pieces and thus usually in the last parts of the lp), also "thin" a little bit in sound, compared to the beginning of the record. I've read up on the physics of Lp's and understand that the thinness towards the end of records can be an inherent problem with the Lp format.
I hasten to add that overall, I'm still a big fan of Lp's. Overall.
My question: I don't want to trade up unless the XX2 will markedly improve the sound at the end of records by yielding increased transparency, bloom and air. Will someone who's been on this path, preferably with the same equipment, let me know his or her feelings on the matter? Thanks.