Cartridge for SME 20/3 Turntable

[Infiniteloop]

I auditioned an SME 20/3 Turntable yesterday and was very impressed to the point of being about to order one.

However, I have no idea which cartridge I should go with and the dealer said he would make a few suggestions.

With this in mind, I would welcome suggestions from this forum.

For what it's worth the audition TT was fitted with an Ortofon Cadenza Black and I was very impressed with the sound.

 

[stevebrock]

what is your budget?

What phono stage do you have?

MC or MM ?

 

[Al ears]

what is your budget?

What phono stage do you have?

MC or MM ?

The Devialet can be configured for either type of phono stage, he doesn't need a seperate one.

Budget would be nice to know but I'd guess it's rather high if he can afford a 20/3. The Cadenza Black is about £1500.

It might be interesting to know what tonearm he proposes using on it. (This is kind of important).

Looking forward to the OP's reply.

 

[Al ears]

I auditioned an SME 20/3 Turntable yesterday and was very impressed to the point of being about to order one.

However, I have no idea which cartridge I should go with and the dealer said he would make a few suggestions.

With this in mind, I would welcome suggestions from this forum.

For what it's worth the audition TT was fitted with an Ortofon Cadenza Black and I was very impressed with the sound.

Please see my comments below about which tonearm you propose to use on this turntable. (SME V?)

 

[stevebrock]

I am clueless about the merits of a Devialet, much preferring valves !

Over £1k I would be looking at a Benz Wood or a Transfiguration Axia - totally out of my league at this moment in time - well happy with what I have

 

[Al ears]

I am clueless about the merits of a Devialet, much preferring valves !

Over £1k I would be looking at a Benz Wood or a Transfiguration Axia - totally out of my league at this moment in time - well happy with what I have

And very nice it is to.

Both your cartridge suggestions are sound although I wonder why the OP is asking if he liked the Cadenza, at least he has managed to audition a cartridge which many of us cannot.

 

[Infiniteloop]

It'll be an SME V.

Budget up to £2K.

 

[stevebrock]

are you gonna get an advance on your mortgage !

A mate of mine has an SME V with a Benz Wood on it !

 

[Infiniteloop]

I am clueless about the merits of a Devialet, much preferring valves !

Over £1k I would be looking at a Benz Wood or a Transfiguration Axia - totally out of my league at this moment in time - well happy with what I have

I have a Valve based system too, based around a Unison Research S8. - I don't think this has a phono stage - so I'd be looking to add a Unison Research Phono One at a later stage.

 

[stevebrock]

not thought about Systemdek 3D Reference

 

[Infiniteloop]

I've had a look at a lot of TT's but it's the quality of the engineering and SQ of the SME has me smitten.

 

[Al ears]

I've had a look at a lot of TT's but it's the quality of the engineering and SQ of the SME has me smitten.

I can see why. If you wanted to save a bob or two the new SME 15 looks to be a future classic.

If you liked the sound of the Cadenza Black then I would suggest that you buy one as you don't get to audition cartridges much. If I suggested another and it turns out you don't like it it could be a very expensive mistake.

I haven't heard the black only the Bronze and I would take a Benz Micro Wood SL over that any day.

 

[stevebrock]

Will echo what Al says - cartridges are nigh on impossible to demo, so if you like what you have heard then go for it. Maybe sign up to hifi wigwam and get some user opinions of different carts.

A Benz Micro Wood is an immense cart

 

[Infiniteloop]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I have a few days to mull it over......

The Model 15 looks nice from what I've seen.

 

[Al ears]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I have a few days to mull it over......

The Model 15 looks nice from what I've seen.

Doesn't it? It's what the Model 10 should have looked like. The Model 10 itself looks like it could be made by Avid.