[jtsnead]

I just got a Ray Samuels Nighthawk phono stage which allows for easier adjustments, I have some cartridges that I never listened to and was wondering if anyone has any experience with theme, how they sound, best settings etc.

My reference cartridge is a Benz Ace SL, I put in a Sumiko Talisman S to try it and am amazed how good the sound is for an loder cartridge, a little drier and splashier then the Benz

The first one I have is a NIB Dynavector XX-1, any thoughts?
A guy from Australia is selling one on Ebay for $695.00
http://http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360249766455&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT




The next one is a Mission 773MM




Also have a Signet TK-5E that I did listen to a long time ago, I remeber that it rocked

[BobM]

I had an XX-1, upgraded from a 20X-H. The XX-1 is the precursor to the XX-2 (obviously) and was the first cartridge to introduce the flux dampening that pretty much al DV's incorporate now. there's a little switch on the front of the cartridge to engage or disengage it. That switch adds a lot of mass - the cartridge weighs 12g.

The XX-1 added a lot more finesse and "palpability" and texture to music over the 20X, but it lost the wonderful dynamics that the 20X does so well. The 20X sounded a bit like it had a loudness setting over the XX-1, which was smoother and more even all around, although less exciting overall. The XX-2 fixes these issues from what I understand.

Good luck