Dynavector XX v2, Shelter 5000, Ortofon Cadenza Blue

[Oldpinkman]

I keep dithering about taking the plunge with an MC cartridge, and apart from getting a Shelter from HK have been offered a new Dynavector XX v2, and effectively new Ortofon Cadenza Blue. Of course this is hopelessly subjective, ideally I would audition all 3 in my system, but that clearly ain't gonna happen, so - I like neutral, detailed, well imaged, rich, natural, punch and tight, and can't cope with tracking distortion. Can easily configure the MC stage to any recommended loading, and have suitable arms for all 3 of those.

Any thoughts?

[walpurgis]

Not used any of them, but my money would be on the Shelter personally. I'm happy using my ZYXs.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Ortofon gets my vote. I started with a Rohman, then get a cadenza black, and I'm now on the lookout for a winfield:eek: brilliants carts that have all the characteristics you've just described.

[Theo]

From a personal perspective, I'd discount the XX2. I thnk you'd be more than happy with either the Shelter or the Ortofon. I've heard a 501 and like it's even handed sonic characteristics, and I'm sure the 5000 builds on those. I currently have the Cadenza Blue, which seems to suit the requirements you set out.

[Tarzan]

Ortofon gets my vote. I started with a Rohman, then get a cadenza black, and I'm now on the lookout for a winfield:eek: brilliants carts that have all the characteristics you've just described.


Ermmmmm Per Winfield cartridge:eek:

[Wakefield Turntables]

yep thats the one.

[DSJR]

It's so difficult getting cartridge dems and second hand opinions are based on the deck/arm they're fitted to, the skill in setup of these (most often not dealer-done these days) and the matching system, room and subsequent synergy - bloody minefield if you ask me :(

I was put off Ortofon for a while 'cos of the price hikes the brand has allowed itself in recent years (other HiFi people are also chasing a smaller, status-led audience and pricing accordingly I'm sad to say), together with some dire experiences with the Kontrapunkt's I heard, which were dull and soggy to my ears, but later limited experiences and opinions of people I trust have changed this rather, the current and not so current models away from the above mentioned models being very lively, true and with good tracking and long life. I don't know the Shelter personally, but it seems well liked, if far more limited in availability than the Ortofon range.

Bearing in mind the lowish mass of your arm, can I possibly give a shout for the latest AT33PTG model. The change to series 2 has been a perfect opportunity for a price hike (one main reason how the Dynavector 10X series has been allowed to double its price over the Denon 110, which used to cost the same but which hasn't been 'updated' in 30 years or so of production), but if the previous one is anything to go by, the slightly higher compliance, great long lived diamond and delicate nature may suit the tonearm you have really well I think.

Finally, ask Arthur what he recommends/uses :)

[Oldpinkman]

thanks dave. I trod in shit. I have an eps 310mc on its way from arizona for 300 bucks. a k was teasing me because he has managed to get one, and an epc 205, and my fairy god mother stepped in and stuck this beauty on ebay. the mc version of the cartridge i had been whining about the babysitter trashing. CAN NOT WAIT :)

he was also doing a fan dance about another oddball from an unexpected volume manufacturer (I was sworn to secrecy as he has identified another he wants to hoover up). you're never going to guess. will be interesting to hear it one day.

thanks for the responses- hopefully i got lucky

[Oldpinkman]

Bearing in mind the lowish mass of your arm,

The effective mass of the F5, and the new FX3 (my first f dot cross) is variable and increases with tracking weight due to the novel tracking weight force arrangement Arthur has used. It has a higher effective mass at 2.5g tracking than at 1.5g tracking, which helps it to be suitable for a wider range of cartridges. (it's that "add mass at the headshell" thing I have been going on about - the effective mass is the mass "seen" by the cartridge - its a leverage thing - a lardy like me near the pivot on a seesaw, can balance my young daughter (a few years ago) on the end of a seesaw). The EPS is going to be interesting as a low output, fairly high compliance, low mass moving coil, but mechanically it is fairly similar to the EPS 205 and that worked well in arms from the Ittok and Orion, to the SME 309 and , drum roll, the one I had for 20 years, the mission 774.

I have high hopes for it in the FX3. (oh - did I forget to mention Arthur - I think its just too fiddly for me to swap the F5 back on...) :eyebrows:

[walpurgis]

I have an eps 310mc on its way from arizona for 300 bucks.

Not familiar with that one. I used an EPC-305MC for years and it was superb. If the 310 is as good (or better?), you have a treat in store.

I only sold my Technics after buying a ZYX R50 Bloom. That was a whole new ball game!

[Oldpinkman]

I hope so Geoff. I loved the 205 in its many variants, and this has had some stonking reviews in its time. Comes with pretty graphs too. Fingers crossed . Unbelievable luck seeing it like that. Funny how things often turn up that way :)

[Oldpinkman]

Dave - I had asked Arthur of course. His suggestion was the Dynavector - it was his, and he was offering to sell it to me. I am sure it's a great cartridge, but never having heard the Ortofon or Shelter, he could only say he had heard good things of them

[MartinT]

It's the Shelter for me, with the Ortofon coming close behind (but then, I would say that). The Dynavector is too dark unless you have a brightly balanced system. Sorry Dave, the AT33PTG is a great cartridge but not in the same class (I have one).

[walpurgis]

I hope so Geoff. I loved the 205 in its many variants, and this has had some stonking reviews in its time. Comes with pretty graphs too. Fingers crossed . Unbelievable luck seeing it like that. Funny how things often turn up that way :)

Lets put it this way. While I had my EPC-305MC, numerous other cartridges came and went, they weren't as good! They included; Transfiguration Aria, Denon DL-103R, DL-304 and DL-301, Fidelity Research 301MC, several Decca Londons of varying colours, a Goldring Eroica LX and many more. The Fidelity Research came very close though. The Technics is an outstanding cartridge, it demands a good SUT though.

[Oldpinkman]

The Technics is an outstanding cartridge, it demands a good SUT though.


Oh goodie! It just so happens i have the finest mc phono stage on the planet. (I first ventured that bit of banter provocation on my techno funk thread, but no takers so far). The pip has a cartridge header plug. I will make one up to bridge in the additional gain stage and set the input loading.:cool:

[Reffc]

Having listened to many MC carts, I bought a Shelter 5000 a few years back and it's been a fantastic cartridge. Supremely well made, fabulous dynamics and way more neutral than the older 501/901 which whilst great, had a pronounced mid range (warm-ish side of neutral) bloom. The Shleter 5000 is like a super charged 901. Prefer it over the Dyna which I thought was a little sterile/thin sounding by comparison. Ortofon is a great cart too but perhaps a little leaner than the Shelter. I'd also add the Zyx 50 or HR100 onto that list. The 100 (in its many variants) is getting a little pricey but you can still track one down for reasonable money. Similar in many ways to the Shelter 5000. I recently listened to an AN IO too and was left very under whelmed. Neutral and detailed enough but dynamics not a patch on the Shelter. Final recommendation would be the Benz Glider. A safe choice, an excellent tracker and quite neutral.

[Ammonite Audio]

............ Final recommendation would be the Benz Glider. A safe choice, an excellent tracker and quite neutral..........

......... if a little prone to accidental damage!

[Oldpinkman]

But my new needle has left Arizona now!!!!

[chelsea]

Cartridge bake off is the best way to find out what your after.

[Oldpinkman]

Cartridge bake off is the best way to find out what your after.

I like the idea if I can find some chums in kent when i'm back from hols. The new techie 310 will be an interesting comparison for my 1022. Cartridges are a bit different from amps arms or speakers they wear out. The dynavector arthur was trying to peddle to me was "virgin" and sohe lent me an amp an arm and 2 used technics tts, but not a cartridge. :(