Cartridge recommendation for classical listening


I have a wonderful sounding Grado Reference Sonata cartridge which I love.  The only problem is, for many years, I have had a hum problem which I have investigated extensively but never found a solution for.  I know Grados can have this defect, and the extensively modified Rega P3 turntable I use can contribute to the problem
So,  I’m ready to give up and go with another brand of cartridge.
I listen almost exclusively to Classical music.  Can anyone suggest a cartridge under $1000 that sounds good for classical?
128x128rvpiano

Showing 6 responses by schubert

rv , looking at the Conrad -Johnson  ,  The Rega-Exact 2 is made for that !
Only draw back is it has a solid body and can not be re-tipped .But , it seems to be quite long lasting . Rega knows what they are doing !
Richard , I have never seen a cartridge built as well as the Exact-2Output 6.8-7.2 Google how Rega builds then IN England .

I used to be very good at it . Used to.
There is nothing wrong with the Rega Exact 2 that I run on my Rega RP6.There is a a lot to be said for the 3 hole mounting system , esp. as one’s eyes and hands grow less reliable . I bought it already mounted on the
R- 303 arm by Rega . I have a lot of mounting gear and it was spot on .

It is a very high-out cartridge and will take your volume knob down a bit ,which is no problem . Very good on Piano and Chamber Music esp. Piano . Good on symphonic esp . on mass strings . Adequate on stage.
600 $ .

I also have a Pioneer Direct Drive because I love to play around with carts and I keep around 5-6 Sumiko mounted head shells to play around with .
The Cartridge that blows the others away on that 600 $ TT is the Nagoka MP-200, just plain no faults, though not quite as transparent as my other favorite the Goldring 1042 which is outstanding in instrumental seperation and detail but tricky to mount .Both of these sell around 450 $ .
Other one I have heard a lot with classical on a friend’s 1500$ Pro-ject with a nice arm is the SoundSmith Carmen which at 999$ is very airy and lyrical , an listen to all day rig .Plus they are close to you and retip their carts at reasonable cost. I think they have a 30 day trial , but they answer the phone on that .


Because systems in general, and TT’s in particular , are so different I seldom make cartridge recommen’s anymore .But I’ll make you a deal on either the Nagoka MP-250 or the Goldring 1042 . Don’t like one , I’ll buy it for 400$ shipped .
As I said , I’ve never heard them on Rega arms.


Stay home, we need you !
Cheers,
Len


True , raul . But MP -200 + 300 are close , and he will not find a dealer
that will mount it plus the Exact 2 has higher out-put than his pre needs, is built for his arm
and many dealers  in New York will mount it  . If we live that long .
None of these guys have ever run a Rega cart in a Rega arm . They do
not know what they are talking  about .
Hana sounds good but it ’s dynamics are too low for symphonic music.
The Rega Exact 2 I use is a solid body and is made totally in England  by Rega and Rega alone .Very high  quality.