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New cartridge selection: help wanted

OK heading towards finish line with TT system upgrade for my secondary rig.  Having trouble deciding on the cartridge.

So far:  

Table: Feickert Volare
Arm: Audiomods Series 6

Cartridges I'm considering:

Hana ML or SL
Audio Technica AT0C9MXL or ART-9Xi
Lyra Delos
Dynavector XX-2

Rest of system:

EAT Petit phono stage, Classe DR5 linestage, Pass XA25 amp, Joseph Audio Pulsar 2.

The cost spread on the above options is roughly $500 to $2000, the latter is my limit for this set up.

Leaning towards the Delos, which has been offered at a nice discount.  But I'm a little concerned that it may sound a little lean into what is a quite high resolution system.  I love the dynamics and detail of the Lyra otherwise.

Have never listened to the Dynavector or Audio Technica's.  I have a Hana EL, which is very nice for the cost, but loses a lot of detail compared to the Lyra.

Anyone with experience that can advise?
bobbydd

Showing 2 responses by bobbydd

bobbydd OP
91 posts
 
Appreciate the input so far.

Reminder: my budget is limited to $2K.

Unami Red is double - so no go.

I'm leaning toward one of the Audio Technica models versus the Lyra.  Want detail but tonal accuracy as well.
bobbydd OP
91 posts
 
New phono stage not in the cards for this system.

EAT selected for the following criteria:

high gain, up to 70 db
quiet
easily selectable loading on the fly
rumble filter
good performance for the money

The rumble filter is critical, as I get feedback in this system where it's located.  Neither of my ARC phono stages provide ALL those features, as few of any brand to my knowledge.

Lots of cartridge suggestions here, which I appreciate.
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