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Best Cartridge for VPI Prime Turntable?
#1
I am strongly considering getting a VPI Prime turntable and would appreciate any advice concerning a cartridge to match my Expert 200. The price range is $1500 - $3000 USD.

Thanks in advance.

Bob Willis
Synology 713+ -> Aurender N10 -> D 200 -> Legacy Audio Focus SE speakers. ClearAudio Emotion TT. Synergistic Atmosphere Level 3 UEF Speaker and Galileo (USB) Interconnects and Synergistic PowerCell UEF S - Virginia U. S. A.
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#2
Dynavector XX2 MK II for 1550 Euro - Great value and a Master piece for the VPI tonearm

Best regards


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#3
So first of all bear in mind that the only MC cartridge I have used with my VPI is an Ortofon Cadenza Black, so no basis for comparison. And I am by no means an expert on cartridges. Far from it.

Second I used this with first a Devialet 440 and now the 440 Pro CI. So not quite the same setup as yours.

I use this to play Rock, Jazz, Reggae, electronic and other styles of music and am very pleased with it. YMMV.

I don't suppose you are fortunate enough to have a dealer who sells both Devialet and VPI?
Roon ROCK on Intel NUC6i5SYH/Ethernet | VPI Avenger | Devialet 440 Pro CI | Vivid Audio Giya G3 | Auralic Aires Mini | Synology 1812+ NAS
SXSW, US
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#4
I've used both the Ortofon Cadenza Black and the Dynavector DRT XV-1s and am more than satisfied with their performance - DRT just slightly out shining the Black on immediacy, clarity and depth.  Channel separation from both is excellence and either will compliment your Prime.
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Roon for life, VPI Aries 3D le/Dynavector XV-1s, 1000 Pro, KEF Blade Two
Okanagan, British Columbia
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#5
+1 for the DV XX2mkII. I use it myself too.

Be aware that your Expert (Pro) will add a considerable amount of hiss to the signal of low output MC cartridges.
So be prepared to add the price of a preamp or SUT to your budget if you're going down that route (see thread about "hiss on phono").
Devialet 120 - Wilson Sophia - Technics SL-1000 - Rega Apollo - Chromecast
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#6
I believe the hiss issue is present for some users and not for others. For example, I don't get hiss with my MC cartridge. But you are correct in bringing up the point because this does vary based on a number of factors, so definitely something to be mindful of.
Roon ROCK on Intel NUC6i5SYH/Ethernet | VPI Avenger | Devialet 440 Pro CI | Vivid Audio Giya G3 | Auralic Aires Mini | Synology 1812+ NAS
SXSW, US
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#7
Lyra Delos was used by What Hifi on the VPI Prime Signature. So maybe also an option to add to your list.

Many people report on 'surface noise' when using a 2M Black cartridge so I would not immediately recommend it. 

The website of VPI also gives a list of preferred cartridges. If VPI uses them then they should be a good match for your TT...

I would go for the Dynavector XX2-MKII.
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