2. analog
  3. 123231-19823

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 1 response by islandmandan

Ag insider logo xs@2x
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I'd like to interject my choice, which is a Zu Denon 103R, which has had ESCCO's white sapphire cantilever/Paratrace stylus mod. At under a thousand dollars in this state (it probably isn't expensive enough to be included for many people), I find it fares well in comparison to some of the better (more expensive) cartridges I've heard.

Even if it's judged to not be in the running for whatever reasons there may be, it's still a great cartridge, and worth having in its own right. Recommended.

Regards,
Dan
More to discover