Moving coil with a bit less leading edge

Or the Miyajima Shilabe ?

That one, too, though I haven't heard it. The Kansui is designed to be little more refined in the highs. And it's slightly higher compliance, so probably more flexible with tonearms.

Hey Jeff, you experiences within the Dynavector line can be extrapolated to other cartridge lines as well.....and cable lines, amps, speakers, etc. The cost of diminishing returns hits fast and hard. It sounds as if you are facing a similar dilemma to when I changed from my VPI table/arm to a Basis table/arm. The Basis was much more transparent and revealing and Dynavectors weakness, a rather jagged higher end, is more exposed under such condition's. Dynavector's mate well with smoother sounding tables like the VPI.

The Benz line is a good reco, others that may also fill the bill would be a Koetsu, Shelter, Air Tight, Transfiguration, Sumiko or ZYX (silver). I haven't heard the Miyajima cartridges, so I cannot speak for them. You didn't mention a price range so I didn't mention specific models. I'm sure you can figure it out.

Cheers,
John

I can really recommend the Zu Audio modded Denon 103. It's at the bottom of the price range (c.$800) of such exalted MCs mentioned here, and I was skeptitical that it would be up there, but it has replaced a Transfiguration Orpheus (c.$6000+). I am just about to mod it for a further c.$500 by upgrading stylus and cantilever. A real giant killer.

Hi, you might try a Allaerts. I don't know what your budget is, but fits the sound qualities you are mentioning...

Allaerts are a little hard to get, only a one man company, but excellent quality and sound...Not sure on your budget, but my Allaerts MC2 Finish is pretty special..