I also own a Linn LP12 and have owned or heard all the above cartridges. I've also owned the Denon DL103S and DL103D. Very good cartridges in their day and reasonable by todays standards too. I've owned MC's, MI's and MM's. I replaced an older MC with the new Clearaudio Aurum Beta S MK II and can't believe how great it sounds. I cannot see spending more unless you go all the way with a top flight analog rig. The midrange is to die for, making MC's sound analytical and forced. There is plenty of deep bass and very smooth detailed highs. Nothing fatiguing about it, very musical in a way that draws you into the music for hours. I like it so much I can't see spending more. They really got it right with this model. An even greater value with a trade in. Buy it and be happy!!!!!!!!!!!!
A good cartridge between 300.00 and 400.00
I want to invest between 300.00 and 400.00 in a new phono cartridge that have enough definition ( toanl rightness, speed and detail without harshness).
What cartridge to buy?
Benz Micro Gold or Silver MC
Goldring Eroica MC
Clearaudio Aurum MM
Sumiko Blue Point MC
Audio Technica OC9 MC
Other???
My front end: Linn LP12 Cirkus with Akito II tonearm
Preamplifier: Spectral DMC 10 gamma ( very good phono stage)
Amplifier : Bryston 4B ST
Speakers : Quad ESL 63
Wiring : ( Interconnect and Speaker cables): Straightwire Virtuoso
What cartridge to buy?
Benz Micro Gold or Silver MC
Goldring Eroica MC
Clearaudio Aurum MM
Sumiko Blue Point MC
Audio Technica OC9 MC
Other???
My front end: Linn LP12 Cirkus with Akito II tonearm
Preamplifier: Spectral DMC 10 gamma ( very good phono stage)
Amplifier : Bryston 4B ST
Speakers : Quad ESL 63
Wiring : ( Interconnect and Speaker cables): Straightwire Virtuoso