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Dynavector 10X5 versus Sumiko Evo III

I have a Rega P3-24 turntable which was packaged with their Elys (MM) cartridge. The Elys is better than I expected---though I have had two whose cantilevers collapsed. I did not mishandle them. Therefore, I am considering using a high output MC. I have owned the previous Sumiko Blue Point Special which was good but not equal to Sumiko's Talisman which was discontined about 7 years ago. My impression of the BPS was that it sounded somewhat bright and predictable and not very engaging. Though, the cartridge was rugged and I never had a problem with it. Therefore, I am looking at the Dynavector 10X5 and Sumiko's EVO III which is supposedly a greatly improved version the of the BPS. I would like to get some input on which cartridge will work the best with the Rega table which has an RB301 tonearm. I am using a Creek 5350SE classic and the SE MM phono board. I was told by Creek that the MM phono board needs to see a 47,000ohm cartridge impedance to sound good. I am considering moving to an outboard phono board with more flexibility and better sound. Possibly, a Gramhan Slee "Special Edition" phono box(a dedicated MM stage) or the Moon LP3 which is both an MC/MM phono stage. My speakers are Silverline Prelude II's which may be soon replaced with either Epos 16i's or the new Rega RS-5----I am still looking. Thank you Jim
sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by hfisher3380

hfisher3380
167 posts
 
Many years ago I purchased a used Planar 2 with RB250 and it came with a many-years old Supex 900 Super cartridge - my first real analogue set-up. Thought the sound was awesome compared to my Rega Planet CDP - however I decided to replace the very old cartridge with a Super Elys, figuring there would be synergy and set-up would be easy with the third set screw. I soon found that I was not enjoying my vinyl as much as with the Supex so I put it back on and sold the Super Elys. Shortly thereafter, after much research, I picked up a Dynavector 10x4Mk2 which was like heaven - so, so much better than the Rega cartridge. Ran that cartridge into the ground and ended up "upgrading" to a Clearaudio Virtuoso wood (table had also been upgraded to VPI HW19 MkIV with rewired RB300). Notice "upgrading" in quotations - again, I was finding my vinyl somehow less appealing - sold the Virtuoso and picked up a DV20Xh - again, vinyl nirvana!!

Morals of the story? Number one, Dynavector, in my opinion, make the best cartridges in this price segment. Nothing else I have heard comes close. ESPECIALLY on Rega arms! Number two, Rega make great tonearms, decent turntables but crappy cartridges (at least IMO) - there's always a better choice.
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