06-Dec-2017, 17:20
Great responses, thanks again all. Confused, yes I did read your Ortofon tour, great post. On paper anyway for the sound (and budget) I am looking for, I think it will likely come down to either Ortofon Cadenza Bronze (Black might be too "clinical" or unforgiving for me) or the Dynavector XX-2 MKII. Both get great reviews, sounds like the XX2 might be a bit warmer or more rounded. I'm not hopeful or expecting any change in the Devialet phono stage; it is what it is. So here's my game plan.
1. Nail down the cartridge selection. I might be able to demo the XX2 while I still have the borrowed Sutherland phono stage. Then I can see how the XX2 works both directly in the Devialet and through an external phono stage (although not necessarily the phono stage I'd end up with if any). I'd also see how much I like the cartridge.
2. Figure out the phono stage (or SUT) setup. If it works well direct into the Devialet, then great, I'm done. Otherwise I may try another phono stage for comparison and make that decision. Unfortunately I am very space constrained in my equipment cabinet which might limit the phono stage or SUT options.
I'll keep everyone posted. This doesn't unfortunately give me the chance the demo the Cadenza Bronze, but difficult to try every variable. Also, I have still not heard back from Devialet on my request to have take measurements of my phono stage.
1. Nail down the cartridge selection. I might be able to demo the XX2 while I still have the borrowed Sutherland phono stage. Then I can see how the XX2 works both directly in the Devialet and through an external phono stage (although not necessarily the phono stage I'd end up with if any). I'd also see how much I like the cartridge.
2. Figure out the phono stage (or SUT) setup. If it works well direct into the Devialet, then great, I'm done. Otherwise I may try another phono stage for comparison and make that decision. Unfortunately I am very space constrained in my equipment cabinet which might limit the phono stage or SUT options.
I'll keep everyone posted. This doesn't unfortunately give me the chance the demo the Cadenza Bronze, but difficult to try every variable. Also, I have still not heard back from Devialet on my request to have take measurements of my phono stage.
Devialet 250 Pro, Bryston BDP-2, Acoustic Signature WOW XL with TA1000 Tonearm and Ortofon 2M cartridge, OPPO BDP-83SE, Stenheim Alumine Two, REL G2
