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Class "A" phono cartridge discussion.

I would like to have a discussion about what cartridges are class A. Stereophile has their list but I can't help thinking there is probably a lot left out.

Last year I traded my Delos for a used EMT TSD15 because the TSD 15 was listed as class A in Stereophile. I love the TSD 15. It is the best cartridge I have heard. But I will probably have to re tip it soon. $1250 for a re tip is expensive but I will be able to do it when I have to. Moving to anything else from here is just too cost prohibitive. Three to ten thousand for a class A cartridge is just probably not going to happen. Although Miyajima sounds enticing to me. Maybe some day. The funny thing about the TSD 15 is it has been around for decades and I'd never really heard much about it until recently.

 I'm curious if there are other classic cartridges that are class A that can be had for less than the upper echelon price? Maybe we can start a list.

The funny thing about the Stereophile list is that you have to go to a $7000 Lyra, $4800 Sound smith for Class A in those brands. There are currently no ZYX, no Dynavectors and no Shelters on the list despite being popular brands.

I do have a ZYX Yatra and had a Delos. The TSD 15 is better than both. 
siranthony

Showing 3 responses by bpoletti

bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
My bias slants toward AT ART9.  But even though it betters most on the "A" list, it won't get there because it is too inexpensive.

The Goldfinger does NOT belong on the list. 
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
Forget Stereophile's list.  It is subject to the biases of the reviewers, equipment interaction, their latest medical condition(s), what they had for dinner, the last "conversation" with their boss and how much wine they had during the listening session(s). 

And the most important factor, their personal relationship with the manufacturer / distributor.

Yes, there are truly excellent cartridges on the list, but how many are bettered by cartridges not on the list and how many are ignored for personal reasons?

bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
I agree, melm.

But I also question the legitimacy of ANY reviews where less than 20 people participate in completely blind testing using a variety of DIFFERENT equipment combinations. Too many times a review is discussed with a reviewer over a manufacturer-paid-for dinner or the reviewer is a personal friend of a manufacturer and doesn’t want to damage that friendship.



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