Cartridge for the JMW 10.5i


I've been looking for a cartridge to replace my Shelter 501 which I never really liked neither on the JMW 9 Signature nor the JMW 10.5i. It sounds better on the latter though with 3 grams added mass... Nevertheless, no matter what I do I can't get rid of some graininess and sibilance on some LPs (not only SH but new as well) and I simply refuse not to listen to my record collection because of this.

Also, in my system Shelter 501 sounds as if there were three separate layers of frequencies that don't mix really well because the midband was a bit thinner, although when the recording is good (let's say MoFi Aimee Mann How Am I Different...) there's nothing wrong with it and it's excellent.

I'm looking for a warm sounding cartridge that will be a good tracker and one that will serve vocals and winds/brass and acoustic instruments well.

I was looking at the Dynavector (from XX2 to DV-1), ZYX (Fuji - 4D), Transfiguration Phoenix, Koetsu Rosewood.
I was suggested to consider Soundsmith and Lyra as well...

Will my tonearm be able to optimize any of those cartridges or should I look somewhere else...
128x128janhavjar

Showing 1 response by philb7777

I have heard both the Dynavector XX-2 and XV-1s with the JMW 10.5i on both an Aries 1 and Aries 3 VPI table. I own the Dyna XV-1s.

The Dynas are an absolute perfect match for the 10.5i. The sound is detailed yet warm and dynamic. Not a hint of brightness or edge in my system. Feel free to email me and we can discuss more details and info about the carts. From the sound you are describing you want, the Dynas are definitely the way to go.

Several people that own the 10.5i tonearm use Dyna for the synergism.