Upgrade addiction - need advice

[sjtm]

I actually demo'd a new 851a last summer, but still preferred the sound of the PM8005.

Actually I was mistaken -I demo'd the 651A - completely different component feature / quality etc.

[Mr Peabody]

The Pearl set up with the 836's should be a good sounding system.

The Grado is sort of on the warm or colored side of the cart spectrum. You might look at the Dynavector 10x5 which is a high output MC that will play through a MM phono stage. It's more toward neutral and really popular at it's price point. Ortofon has a broad line of carts both MM & MC, they are typically a very lively sound. Benz will move you toward neutral without quite reaching it if you wanted to move in steps that direction. How happy are you with the Grado? If satisfied may be no reason to change unless just curious. Some of the Clearaudio MM carts are good I'm just not heard much feedback on how they work with various brands of tables. Then there's carts like the Denon, 103 I believe, that is a stone classic, not the most accurate but people love the way it sounds. It's pretty cheap to comparatively. There's a slew of other things out there too I'm not yet familiar with.

[blackraven]

Warm is good!

[Mr Peabody]

Warm is good!

You don't like warm, you just don't know it yet, LOLOL

[blackraven]

You don't like warm, you just don't know it yet, LOLOL

I live in Minnesota, so anything warm is good.

The warm Grado's might be a good fit with the Focal speakers though.

[sjtm]

The Pearl set up with the 836's should be a good sounding system.

The Grado is sort of on the warm or colored side of the cart spectrum. You might look at the Dynavector 10x5 which is a high output MC that will play through a MM phono stage. It's more toward neutral and really popular at it's price point. Ortofon has a broad line of carts both MM & MC, they are typically a very lively sound. Benz will move you toward neutral without quite reaching it if you wanted to move in steps that direction. How happy are you with the Grado? If satisfied may be no reason to change unless just curious. Some of the Clearaudio MM carts are good I'm just not heard much feedback on how they work with various brands of tables. Then there's carts like the Denon, 103 I believe, that is a stone classic, not the most accurate but people love the way it sounds. It's pretty cheap to comparatively. There's a slew of other things out there too I'm not yet familiar with.

Frankly, right now it is like someone forgot to lock up the amusement park and I snuck in. I am so enamoured by the overall sound, I am not really finding things to complain about. Perhaps I never will. Without an opportunity to hear other carts ( or turntables for that matter) my frame of reference is almost non-existent.

I bought a couple of albums today, cleaned them with my new Spin Clean and threw them on the TT. Could not pull myself away.

I have been reading many reviews and had narrowed in on three options: Dynavector 10x5; Clearaudio Virtuoso V2 and Ortofon 2m Black. All seem to have great reviews. I am trying to figure out which might be distinctly different in sonic performance than the Grado Gold. A little pricier but possible alternatives are the Dynavector 20x2 and the Audio Technica AT150ANV. If any one has direct experience with any of these, I would love to hear from you.

[Mr Peabody]

I had a 10x5 for a long time, still do actually, just not mounted on anything. I'm now using the Clearaudio Maestro which is top of the MM line where the Virtuoso I believe is next step down.

The 10x5 is detailed with good bass, in my system seemed not to be as extended on the top end as some. To me it seems to lack that something that brings emotion to the music. At $450.00 or so it's a very good performer.

The Virtuoso based on my cart and hearing other Clearaudio carts would have nice texture to the music, extended on both frequency extremes and easy to listen to without being overly warm.

The 2m Black would be the largest difference from the Grado, it's fast and lively with extended highs & punchy bass. My friend used one of these on his 7.1. It would be interesting to hear this cart through Focals as I find them to also have a lively sound. Would they compliment each other or be too much of a good thing.

So from your Grado which I call warm and moving away to a more neutral sound would be the Virtuoso, then 10x5, then the 2m Black. Although I did find the 2m Black to be more engaging to me over the 10x5. I can't quite put my finger on it, the 10x5 is more sterile or technical where the other two have a bit more boogie factor. Clearaudio just not as punchy or energized as the Ortofon. The Ortofon just let's it all hang out where the Clearaudio keeps a bit of reserve. The Clearaudio is also some smoother, or is that saying the same thing in a different way, LOL.

If you do a search for Clearaudio Concept review you should find a review where Stereophile talks about that table with the Virtuoso. Any of the 3 are well regarded.

I hope this helps some

[sjtm]

I had a 10x5 for a long time, still do actually, just not mounted on anything. I'm now using the Clearaudio Maestro which is top of the MM line where the Virtuoso I believe is next step down.

The 10x5 is detailed with good bass, in my system seemed not to be as extended on the top end as some. To me it seems to lack that something that brings emotion to the music. At $450.00 or so it's a very good performer.

The Virtuoso based on my cart and hearing other Clearaudio carts would have nice texture to the music, extended on both frequency extremes and easy to listen to without being overly warm.

The 2m Black would be the largest difference from the Grado, it's fast and lively with extended highs & punchy bass. My friend used one of these on his 7.1. It would be interesting to hear this cart through Focals as I find them to also have a lively sound. Would they compliment each other or be too much of a good thing.

So from your Grado which I call warm and moving away to a more neutral sound would be the Virtuoso, then 10x5, then the 2m Black. Although I did find the 2m Black to be more engaging to me over the 10x5. I can't quite put my finger on it, the 10x5 is more sterile or technical where the other two have a bit more boogie factor. Clearaudio just not as punchy or energized as the Ortofon. The Ortofon just let's it all hang out where the Clearaudio keeps a bit of reserve. The Clearaudio is also some smoother, or is that saying the same thing in a different way, LOL.

If you do a search for Clearaudio Concept review you should find a review where Stereophile talks about that table with the Virtuoso. Any of the 3 are well regarded.

I hope this helps some

Wow - thanks for this assessment. All of these options were a bit of a toss up as they all appear well regarded, but I have noticed the Ortofon 2m black seems to be a more popular choice. It is therefore more readily available on the used market ( I am a commited genlty used buyer).

I think I will try to develop an appreciation for the Grado for now. Sooner or later though....