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Cart match for OL Silver/Sota Sapphire/PH-1

I'm looking into a cart upgrade (I'm currently running a Virt Wood). I have a budget capped @ $1K.
I'd like to move into an MC and have been considering the following:
Transfiguration Spirit
Koetsu Black
Lyra Argo
Ortofon Kontrapunkt B
Shelter 501/901

I listen mostly to acoustic jazz with some rock (indie/classic/acoustic) & classical thrown in for good measure.

My current setup (V-Wood/OL Silver/Sota Star Sapphire /AcousTec PH-1) gives me great detail, but it's lacking in depth and bottom end... it doesn't really put me "there." My VTA sets the arm parallel w/ the record surface, and tracking is set just a hair under 2 grams. The PH-1 is set @ the factory MM settings (42dB/47k).

I have used the 501 in my system, but it was thru a different phono stage (Phonomena) in a different listening environment. I was impressed, but I'm on the fence about giving it another run.

Has anyone had experience w/ any of the above carts on an OL Silver arm? Any suggestions/recommendations for a cart upgrade? Thanks in advance!!!

Hat
hatfield

Showing 1 response by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
I have the Shelter 901 on a modded OL Silver. I chose it for its reputation on large scale, dynamic music, which is mostly what we listen to. Apply whatever raves you can imagine, they still wouldn't do it justice.

For small scale acoustic jazz the 501 has a better rep than any of your other choices except maybe the Transfiguration. You were "impressed" but it seems like something was missing. Can you say what?

IMPORTANT: check out the "Strange Tonearm Tweak" thread for a simple mod that will take your Silver up a whole level, especially with low compliance cartridges like a Shelter. This mod is mandatory for anyone with a Silver. You'll get a $400+ sonic upgrade for $20-30.
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