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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 5 responses by siranthony

siranthony OP
16 posts
 
Also the only Clearaudio is the Goldfinger for $15000.
siranthony OP
16 posts
 
Yes... Go on... Care to name a few not on the list? I do now there is another list on the net. But that is another biased list IMO. So much left out. 
siranthony OP
16 posts
 
Lewm, I wouldn't leave anything out unless it is unobtanium.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Keep them comming.
siranthony OP
16 posts
 
Also I am very weary of buying any more used cartridges. I have had several used cartridge issues. I will not buy a used one again unless I really trust the seller or I get it at such a low price, it doesn't matter if it needs some work. For example I traded a Delos with about 300 hours and in very good condition for my TSD15. I paid to have both cartridges inspected. I was given the OK but I found the suspension of the EMT had a problem. It turned into a big issue for everyone involved. In the end I decided to keep it because it still plays OK and I like it. But it will need to be retipped sooner or later.
siranthony OP
16 posts
 
rauliruegas, I have two turntables. Both of them are Origin Live. Both are Encounter arms MK2. Just thinking about my next project. When and if I get something else is undetermined. Sometime in the next year probably.

When I do have my EMT retipped it will probably be with EMT because I like it for many reasons. One big reason is with a conical stylus more of my LP's sound good. I thought you needed a fineline stylus to really trace the grooves. But the EMT is so fast with a conical. The drawback is the life is shorter. Probably less than half of the life of a fineline. I have always had problems with some records not sounding good with a particular cartridge. Mostly due to VTA.

The balance of the sound of the EMT is neutral to warm. It has been compared to a 103. I would agree but it is much faster than a 103. I have been down the 103 modified route. I'm not that interested in going there unless I find a deal I can't pass up. You can clean up the 103 a lot. But it will never get any faster.

I do like the ZYX and Dynavector sounds also. But the prices for the "class A" stuff is prohibitive. I have a Clearaudio Concept MC that I like also. But the Clearaudio prices soar upward so fast My nose starts to bleed.

I guess I'm a middle class guy who wants to hear class A stuff. I have DIYed most of my stuff into class A. Not much I can do with phono cartridges. The thought has crossed my mind to get a microscope and learn how to work on cartridges.    
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