Quote Originally Posted by Arc45
Your ideas are appreciated. Thank you in advance.
I agree with skeptic that as transducers, cartridges are subject to as much individual preference as are speakers. Like you, I use electrostatic speakers and have done so for over twenty years. Consequently, I favor moving coil cartridges for their superior resolution and transient response IMHO. I presently use a Dynavector DV-20XL cartridge that is available in both low and medium output versions and can be had for around $550. Since Anthem recommends a minimum output of 0.4mV, you may want to go for a medium output cartridge. I'm pushing the limit with my arrangement (the SP-9 has similar gain to yours) since I use the low output flavor and found that cabling, both signal and power, was more critical to keep noise levels down. In fact, I use a Monster conditioner on the table for the same reason.

As for your Grado, I'm surprised at your "thin in the midrange" characterization. I owned one many moons ago and didn't find that to be the case. I found mine lacking in high frequency detail instead. But that was a different model, so? Since Grado says they are insensitive to capacitance, then loading is likely not a problem. Have you tried experimenting with VTA? A number of cartridges are quite sensitive in this area. I have found if the VTA is off, then the soundstage suffers. That may be what you are referring to. Good luck.

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