2. analog
  3. 181309-456

A cartridge with more bite, please and thank you

My Hana SL is a little soft sounding for the Linn LP12/Cirkus/Mober supchassis/Alphason Xenon MCS and I'm looking for some direction and insight. My phono preamp is a Supratek Syrah.

Thinking about Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, ZYX Ultima 100 and Soundsmith Paua. Anybody out there compare these? Heard any of them on a similar set up? Or, have other recommendation that would mate well?

 

I see a lot Ortofon recommendations for Alphason, the ZYX reviews well and Soundsmith is right down the river - I've enjoyed their lower models and like the rebuild concept and pricing. That said, best sound is best sound!

Oh, I'm also open to having the Alphason rewired - I'm not sure that's the biggest priority right now, but it's tempting...

Muchas gracias and happy holidays!

budburma

Showing 2 responses by dover

dover
2,182 posts
 

Actually you might want to consider changing the arm. I have had several Alphasons ( HR100S )  - they are very smooth by nature. Outstanding arm, but if you want more punch you might be better off with a Linn arm.

With regards to the Soundsmith Paua - I know this cartridge well - its very smooth - probably not going to give added punch.

The Dynavector XX2mk2 mentioned above is quite punchy in the bottom end.

 

dover
2,182 posts
 

@budburma 

The pivot to spindle of the Alphason is 211mm

The Linn Ittok/Ekos are both 211mm pivot to spindle as well. The Ekos would be the best option if possible, the Ittok would be a sideways move vs the Alphason.

Not sure on the newer Linn arms.

Not sure on whether the cut-out hole is the same size - you would need to check.

Both the Ittok & Ekos work with a wide range of cartridges in my experience.

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