Tim Jones
pfm Member
I'm approaching one of those system rethink moment wherein I'll have an opportunity to do some good things. Alongside my distinctly out of date digital set-up, I'd like to take an opportunity to equip my SME20/3A and Aurorasound Vida with something less lowly than the current Benz Micro Ace SL cart I've had on for the past year or so.
Don't get me wrong. I much prefer the Benz to the DV TKR it replaced; which was a bit too hi fi, and a bit too low an output, for my tastes. I do hear a lot of good things about the Koetsu/SME combination. But I'm a bit mystified by that, at least in the sense that the SME decks are relatively 'dark' sounding, while Koetsus (at least the 'cheaper' ones) are renowned for being down in the high end.
Given the relative difficulty of auditioning high end carts, at this point I'm tempted to take a punt on something with a reputation for a more lively character - such as a Lyra, or even, weirdly, a 17D3. Any views or experiences welcome....
Don't get me wrong. I much prefer the Benz to the DV TKR it replaced; which was a bit too hi fi, and a bit too low an output, for my tastes. I do hear a lot of good things about the Koetsu/SME combination. But I'm a bit mystified by that, at least in the sense that the SME decks are relatively 'dark' sounding, while Koetsus (at least the 'cheaper' ones) are renowned for being down in the high end.
Given the relative difficulty of auditioning high end carts, at this point I'm tempted to take a punt on something with a reputation for a more lively character - such as a Lyra, or even, weirdly, a 17D3. Any views or experiences welcome....