Cartridge recommendation for Project Carbon Esprit

T

topspeed

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Nov 3, 2016
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California
I want to upgrade the 2M Red on my tt and a number of dealers have recommended the 2M Bronze. The thing is, I can get a 2M Black or a used (50hr) Soundsmith Carmen for the ~$400 of the Bronze. I love the sound of the Soundsmith Zephyr, so the idea of achieving a bit of that magic is hugely appealing, I'm just not sure how well it will work with my budget table. Should I just get the Bronze until I upgrade my whole table?
Thanks for your input.
 
I had a similar situation when I got my 'table, except I did not have a vinyl spinner before. So I thought I might want to start with something ok:ish first to see if I enjoy vinyl and upgrade afterwards. I was however recommended to aim a bit higher, as I otherwise will not be able to hear the true benefits of vinyl.

So I went with the Vpi Prime, which is a moderately priced 'table yet good enough to pair with my other gear. I picked the Cadenza Bronze cart to go with it. I am very happy with the choices and can stick with my setup for a (short) while.

Ergo, put a little more in the table first to set a baseline, then you will get more out of switching carts.


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Eventually, there is VPI Classic in my future, however until then I want to squeeze as much out of the Project as I can.

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I'm not super familiar with the esprit but if it doesn't have a way to easily adjust (or at all like my old VPI Traveller) Azimuth, id steer clear of the black. While it's overall sound is really great the Shibata stylus is very sensitive to Azimuth settings. Mine was something like 5 or 6db different in channels and it was very noticeable. The decrease in imaging and sounstaging was VERY apparent. I went with the Audio Technica AT440-ml. It's a great stop gap cart until you want to move up. I really recommend the Cadenza Bronze as Kuoppis said above. But it's also 10x the money of the AT.


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I've heard the AT150MLX on a RP6 in my system didn't feel it had enough drive behind it. Terrific detail and air, just less bottom end than I prefer. Good info on the Black, thanks for that as my tt doesn't have a lot of adjustability.

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I haven't used one personally but people seem to like the Denon carts for good performance per price ratio.. You might even look for a good deal on a Dynavector 10x5. Those are just options other than Ortofon, but Ortofon is typically tough to beat at the selling price points. I should add if you were looking for a livelier more neutral sound. Those who have the Denon like the more musical aspect. If memory serves I believe Benz has a cart in the $500.00 range give or take. The Clearaudio Virtuoso is worth looking into as well but I'm not sure how they do with Pro-Ject.

How's that for muddying things up, LOL
 
I should have bought your 10x5 when you were selling, Mr. P! We're pretty sure the hum I have is from a bad coil in the cart, which is why I put off replacing the whole table for now. The Denon is definitely on my list, I just wish I had a dealer with some different carts to audition within 3 hours of me.

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