UNIverse Cu ,XV-1S,Shelter 9000 wt BATVkp10seSupe

Dear Richard: The 90X is a very good choice and an improvement in the quality sound reproduction over the 901.

The XV-1s is a very good cartridge too but has a different presentation than the 90X: it has a more natural/neutral balance and IMHO overall is a little better.

Both are great with your kind of music, my choice: XV-1s but you can't go wrong with either.

Btw, I understand that HW use the XV 1s like his reference in its own VPI products, this could means something, don't you think?

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear Jeff: No it is not warmer in character it is better tonal balance, it does not " show " any frequency range over others like in the Shelter bass range.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear Doug: IMHO, neither Allaerts ( I agree with JCarr ) and Myabi are on the warm side, as a fact the 90X either, at least not at Koetsu level.

If you already heard the Allaerts MC 2 Finish ( that I own ) or the Formula one and your heard that " warm sound ", maybe that was because a " signature " sound any where in the audio system. I want to remember you that only a first rate Phonolinepreamp can do justice to those Allaerts cartridges ( obvious that matched with the right tonearm ).

Now, I'm not sure what do you name " warm sound ". I know your system sound and the ZYX " sound " that is on the bright side and there is nothing wrong with that, but named to the Allaert a " warm sound " cartridge because it is not bright but more natural/neutral is a misunderstood.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.