Moving coil cartridge


hello all,

It has been on my mind for the past 3 years. " I wonder if I should try out a moving coil cartridge" Well it seems that this itching is driving me crazy to the point of OCD'ing 24/7. I own a modest set up, nothing too fancy, a Marantz-Clear Audio TT15SE equipped with the wooden Virtuoso MM cartridge. I have to admit I love the rich and warmness that the Virtuoso provides and have other MM's such as the Orofon 2M black but prefer the Virtuoso because of the aforementioned attributes and its almost silent like operation. I digress, I must quench my thirst and put the MC debate to rest once and for all.

A local dealer in my area seems to like the Dynavector brand. They range from $650.00 to over 5K. I of course cannot afford much above $1,500 so I figured the new 20x2 HL and 17D3 would be a good starting point. One, does anyone know if this a good fit for the TT15SE? I ask this because the Ortofon 2M black which sounds great on my old Ariston rig, sounds very average on the Marantz. Two, of the 2 Dynavectors mentioned, the 17D3 being the more expensive units, would I be better of trying the lower end 20x2 unit first? From what I have read the 2 have totally different sonics and soundstage characteristics so i am not sure if the more expensive unit (ie 17D3) would be the right choice.
Any other suggestions for MC cartridges?
All feedback would be aprreciated.

Thanks
vinylmad814

Showing 3 responses by roscoeiii

Yes, what is your phono stage? If it can accommodate a LOMC cart then I would go with a LOMC over a HOMC.
The OP seems to be responding positively to the bass of the 20X2 (not sure if it is high or low output). My understanding is that the 20X2 and XX2 have better bass than the 17D3, so if bass is important, the 17D3 may not be the best choice. This is not from direct experience, but I have read this in multiple reviews and forum comments, and the desire for excellent bass is what led me to go with the XX-2 over the 17D3.
Just passing on what I recall reading, which was that the 20xl and xx-2 had better bass. Better bass can be more than just frequency response. Check the reviews and other forum comments.