Best Cartridges for the Money You've Experienced


I'd like to ask those of you who have tried many a cartridge over the years to nominate ones that you feel are among the very best and are available today, new or used, at a substantially lower price than most of today's reference-level cartridges. Feel free to mention great cartridges from years past that still show up now and then on Audiogon.

I currently have a Koetsu Rosewood Signature mounted on an SME-5 arm. I'd like to go up from there in sound quality without having to rob a bank.
bolson

Showing 2 responses by kitch29

Raul, thanks for the reply. I missed that mention. Not familiar with the Tribute.

I ask because the last ten years I've only used MCs: Talisman Virtuoso, DV 10x5, 47 McBee and now Benz Ace Low. The McBee was killer but a review sample now gone. Have only distant memories of MMs.

Thinking about a Grado Reference or Sonata because of the luscious mids (maybe too luscious?) of the Sonata and Platinum I heard recently. I'm also thinking higher compliance because of the SME III currently mounted. The top end of both seemed somewhat rolled off, tho', especially the Platinum so I'm not sure. I may soon go for the $800 low output Grado, never remember if it's Statement or Reference. Your recommendations would save me a ton of money.

You're comment on 100k loading is interesting and it's easy enough to try. My Nova Phenomena has a 100k setting and my Cornet2 is a simple 2 resistor switch.

What about the suspensions of these older cartridges you advocate? Don't they get brittle?