bobedaone
bobedaone's picture
Offline
Last seen: 10 years 2 months ago
Joined: Feb 1 2007 - 12:27am
Cartridge questions
Bill B
Bill B's picture
Offline
Last seen: 9 years 5 months ago
Joined: Jul 28 2012 - 1:59pm

I think the Dynavector 10x5 hits a great spot for performance/price and I would go for that - except for the input sensitivity on the current amp.  You can still do it, but as you note, the volume will be less, and there will be a worse s/n ratio.  How much?  I dunno.  It would probably be fine..

So I think i'd stick with the nice Grado on the Traveler, and then when you get the Rogue, get the Dynavector.  It's a cartridge that will get the best out of the Traveler (I recall it was often paired with the more expensive VPI Scout models).

Fax me the beer.

bobedaone
bobedaone's picture
Offline
Last seen: 10 years 2 months ago
Joined: Feb 1 2007 - 12:27am

Appreciate your input. It seems Rega designed the Brio to work best with their own cartridges (very high output, 6.8-7.2 mV) in an all-Rega system, which is frustrating when wanting to branch out. Otherwise, great little amp, especially for the $650 I paid for it new (and it fits in a backpack!). Part of me does just want to stick with the Grado, though I think it would be valuable and kind of fun to learn cartridge setup, which is not something I've had to do before. I do like that it's American-made.

Another option I'm considering is picking up a very affordable cartridge, probably 2M Red, and enjoying that until I upgrade the amp and/or get a phono preamp. Investment would be minimal ($100) so I wouldn't lose much when upgrading. Healthy 5.5mV output, too.

I think I will avoid the 10x5 for now because I wouldn't want to form opinions on it in unfavorable conditions, or be disappointed with what is still a pretty substantial purchase. (You know your hobby is expensive when a $450 anything is "budget"!  haha)   

Cheers!

Bill B
Bill B's picture
Offline
Last seen: 9 years 5 months ago
Joined: Jul 28 2012 - 1:59pm

Whatever u decide (those are all good options - there are also good budget cartridges from Shure and audiotechnica), you can install & setup your cart even if it comes preinstalled. Just take it off and put it back on and go through all the steps

Bill B
Bill B's picture
Offline
Last seen: 9 years 5 months ago
Joined: Jul 28 2012 - 1:59pm

Otoh u could save $100 on the  dv. Buy it now and enjoy it. And not have to bother with buying an interim cartridge...

Log in or register to post comments
-->
  • X