3 Top Cartridges Picks

I'll add just one: The Magic Diamond cartidge from the Swiss maker, MagicMicro. Lloyd Walker sells this cartridge and it is stunning in its combination of musicality, neutrality, natural detail and soundstaging. Top to bottom the best cartridge I've ever listened to -- it stays on my Walker Proscenium turntable. Lloyd has comments on his web site regarding what he hears and why he choses to demonstrate his turntable with this cartridge. http://www.walkeraudio.com

The only review of this cartridge I've seen is J. Peter Moncrieff's review. What he says about the sound of the cartridge matches what I hear. (I won't begin to vouch for his technical ruminations.)
http://www.iar-80.com/page62.html (scroll down two screens)

The Magic Diamond cartridge has been recognized by David Robinson of Positive Feedback for a 2004 Brutus Award. I'm revisiting this thread because so few people have heard this cartridge that I find so superb. Here's the link and what D. Robinson had to say...

MC cartridge (medium output): the Micromagic Magic Diamond (pictured here in action on the Walker Audio Proscenium Gold Signature turntable)

This is the current reference cartridge from the Swiss firm, Micromagic, and was recommended by Walker Audio for use with their Proscenium reference system in preference to the Clearaudio Reference that was their previous choice (at twice the price). It's already a "vinyl underground" classic, with a number of cartridge connoisseurs buzzing with the news of an important new reference standard. There's no doubt about it at all in my mind: the Magic Diamond is simply superb… unquestionably the best MC that I've ever had in my listening room, or have heard thus far along my audio journey. Extraordinarily detailed, extended at both ends, natural, and running over with effortless ease and transparent soul, listening through (not to) the Magic Diamond has been a watershed event in my turntable experience.

Thanks for Art Manzano at Axxis Distribution for carrying this cartridge in the USA (www.axiss-usa.com/contact.html), and a BIG "gracias!" to Walker Audio for drawing my attention to this truly amazing MC.

www.positive-feedback.com/Issue16/brutus04dr.htm

This is a cartridge worthy of consideration among the very best available today, regardless of price. Available from Walker Audio (http://www.walkeraudio.com).
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