Best Cartridge for VPI TNT Hot Rod +JMW12.5+SDS

I haven't used that arm, but I know others here on Audiogon have used the Lyra Helikon with success on that arm. Out of the group you mentioned, I feel that the Shelter 901 is the best of the lot. It is also the lowest compliance of the 3, and may be a little too much for that arm. My feeling is that the VDH is third on your list.

Jackob, I feel that all the VDH, Clearaudio, and Benz cartridges are way overpriced. They are good cartridges, but their performance levels can be matched or exceeded at far lower price points by other makers. However, I will grant that the 35um compliance would be better for a unipivot design, than one with a very low compliance. But the JMW arms seem to be very capable with lower compliance, especially the 12.5.

If you want to spend $5k for a cart that can be equalled or bettered by a $1500 cart, then that's ok with me. I just have better places to spend the extra $3.5k.

Another excellent cartridge to consider on that arm would be the ZYX Fuji at $2k. It is extraordinarily good, and has a compliance of 12-15. Easily matches or surpasses the Black Beauty for less than half the price. I feel that the ZYX Fuji would also surpass the Helikon at about the same price.

Jackob, it sounds like you got a great bargain on your Black Beauty! At that price, it is an extremely competitive cartridge with any of the ones I mentioned, and I'm sure that is sounds great in your system. Enjoy!