[twitch54]

been do a little thinking about a cartridge update this coming Fall / Winter and was wondering if anyone here has any thoughts, first hand knowledge, listening, etc with regards to Transfiguration and in particular the 'Axia' model. While my budget was not really aiming that high I have been hearing from my local audio salon how supposedly 'great' they are.

[Browntrout]

If you post this question on Vinylengine you are more likely to get some responses. I know there is a chap called Dave Cawley on there who uses these carts and sells them too.

[twitch54]

Yes, I did read 'arnolds' write up on the Axia.

[chosenhandle]

I own both a Transfiguration Aria (predecessor to the Axia...I think) and the Temper W.

Build quality is outstanding, service is very good and the Transfiguration sound is very even-handed. I wish they received more press because they deserve it! I have heard the Axia, phoenix, orpheus and thought they were refinements of earlier models, yet they retain that overall even presentation.

Sorry that I don't have first hand experience, but I wanted to put a plug in for the line!

[twitch54]

Thanks "ch", yeah I'm going to get to listen to the Phoenix shortly, but it's really out of my league price wise.

The other cartridge that seems to get good press in the same price range as the Axia is the Lyra Argo i as well as the Benz Micro 'wood' (I'm a former owner of the Ace and I like the Benz sound)

In the $900-1k range (more realistically what I want to spend) I tend to lean towards the Shelter 501 mkII and the Benz 'Glider' , although again, I hear good things about the Lyra Dorian

[vinyl_guy]

I just upgraded my vinyl front end from a Pro-ject Perspective to an SME 20/2 with the IV.Vi arm I found on Audiogon. I am using the Sumiko Blackbird cartridge which I used with the Perspective. While the Blackbird is a great high output MC and a great value in the under $1,000 price range, I am beginning the search for a cartridge that will be a good match for this table/arm combo and an improvement over the Blackbird. My pre amp/phono stage is the Gill Audio vacuum tube Alana with a scaled down version of the Art Audio Vinyl Reference phono stage. Any thoughts or ideas will be much appreciated.

Thanks

[woodsyi]

Art Audio (Vinyl One and Ref both) and SME IV arm work fabulously with Koetsu Rosewood signature.  Mine is on an Oracle table but SME 20/2 table should be just as good if not better.  There is some kind of synergy with SME IV/V arm and Koetsu pickup that has been reported elsewhere too. 

[vinylphilemag]

Hi Dave,

I admit I'm a bit of a Lyra fan (I'm currently using an original Parnassus--yes it is me from the MLOC!), but the Lyras do have a great reputation.  It's been a long time (too long!) since I've heard any Koetsus, but their rep for being on the lush side would give me pause.

[vinyl_guy]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely check out both cartridges. The dealer in Austin TX that I bought the TT & arm from raved about the Lyra Skala.

BTW, I am in awe at the improvement in bass, clarity detail, dynamics and soundstage with the SME 20/2 and IV.Vi arm and Blackbird compared to the Perspective.

Thanks again

[Berndt]

couple of retip donors on 'gon right now, as far as getting into a rosewood sig on the cheap.
Don't know what kind of caution is required in regards to buying a used cart though.
Good luck and report the results!

[twitch54]

Hi Dave,

I admit I'm a bit of a Lyra fan (I'm currently using an original Parnassus--yes it is me from the MLOC!), but the Lyras do have a great reputation.  It's been a long time (too long!) since I've heard any Koetsus, but their rep for being on the lush side would give me pause.

Hi Rich, yeah....so many choices and demoing is not easy...at all !