Cartridge for Naim ARO


Hello all. I am looking for a romantic but detailed cartridge that will mate well with the ARO (on LP12). My budget is flexible up to $4500 (gently used ok). The phono preamp is the Aesthetix Rhea, which gives adequate gain for low output mcs.

I use a van den Hul-retipped Troika (sounds remarkably like the regular Troika), and would like a more flowing liquid sound. I value dynamics, sense of space, and presence over frequency extension or neutrality, though extension would be good too.

The ARO's effective mass is 11 grams, so it requires a relatively low compliance cartridge. Naim suggests a cartridge weighing 5.5 to 12 gm. Overhang cannot be adjusted on the ARO/LP12 as the ARO headshell has holes rather than slots for mounting the cartridge, and the arm is fixed to the armboard.

Cartridges I've liked on other arms include the Benz Ebony LP and the Lyra Skala.

If you've heard this arm with a cartridge other than the Troika I'd appreciate your input. Thanks for any ideas!
audiomole
I have used a dyna Te-kaitora & XV-1 with great results in my ARO.
Also an AT OC9 sounded unsually sweet with the ARO
LIke Downunder, I've found that a Dynavector works beautifully with the Aro, though with the less-exalted XX-2 Mk. II. I also have experience with a Troika'd Aro of a friend's. I don't know that I'd characterize the Dynavector as "romantic", but it is a little warmer than a Troika. Good listening!
I've had great results with a wood bodied Benz MO.9 on my ARO which is on an LP12 as well. Coupled with the Artemis Labs PH-1, it provides excellent harmonics, with natural detail and dynamics that sounds like real live music, not hi-fi. I can't imagine why the Benz Ruby or LP wouldn't work well for you in the ARO. The Ruby 3H will be my next cartridge. I know alot of people have had success with the Dyna XV1S in the ARO, but I believe you may want to use the heavy counter weight with that cartridge or with the Koetsu's. You may want to try looking at the Naim Audio HiFI corner forum. A lot of great info regarding the ARO there as well as on the LP12. Please keep us posted as to what you choose and how you like it.