Well, I now have no choice but to buy a new cartridge.
I stupidly accidentally bent the stylus on my current Clearaudio Virtuoso.
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Dear rauliruegas,
I understand your point. Analog is analog, and digital is digital and never the twain shall meet. Each has its own unique character.
However, I believe there are SOME traits that can be validly compared to each other.
I totally agree that music is the essential thing, and I have written extensively about that.
But, this is still a hobby that we can have some fun with if we don’t get too carried away (which is easy to do.)
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One thing is for certain, digital is much more consistent sounding than analog.
Every record seems to have a different sonic quality.
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“…just listening to the music… to see if you get engaged with it, is the best way to evaluate it.”
Exactly the ideal.
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Inna,
Actually I was not referring to the quietness of digital. On my set the digital format has a certain clarity that the analog does not. Maybe rauliruegas is right and that type of clarity is uniquely a digital trait, but I’m hoping to get it with the new cartridge.
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I currently use a Clearaudio Virtuoso, coupled with a Sutherland 20/20 phon.
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Thank you all for your replies.
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Lalitk,
I guess I’m very needy! LOL
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On the basis of some of the comments here, what I’ve read in reviews, and most importantly, the sound I’m looking for, I’m probably going to switch to a LOMC cartridge: the Hana ML. It seems to be the best choice for me, and I can get a deal on it.
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aewarren,
I have a Sutherland 20/20 phono preamp.
It’s equipped for the job.
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inna,
iI tried it, and it works, but unfortunately, doesn’t sound like it previously did.
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Thanks so much for the tip (no pun intended.)
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lalitk,
You’re right, I am happy to fall back on my digital system.
In some ways, I’m hoping that the new Hana ML cartridge will have some (but not all) the characteristics of digital. Will have to wait about a week for the new cart to find out.
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Too late.
I’ve already ordered the Hana ML.
Hopefully, it will fill the bill for me.
I’ll try to stop posting so much. LOL
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pryso,
Thanks for asking.
Yes, I listen to mostly classical (about 90-95%) but I do listen to jazz, pop and some other styles. I had Grado cartridges for many years until I switched to the Clearaudio Virtuoso, which I like a lot. Contrary to your view, I’ve never felt the need to switch cartridges. My system really sounds fine in all styles with one cartridge. I’ve never felt the need to switch.
As far as turntable, I started out very modestly with the Rega RP3, but I have almost completely revamped and upgraded it with new parts and two power supplies. I also have a steady as a rock very heavy specially designed turntable platform on a slab floor which holds the turntable with no vibration.
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ghdprentice,
I’m just hoping the Hana will suit me at least as well as the Clearaudio did.
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Well, the day has finally come. My Hana ML cartridge should be installed tomorrow. Will report on it soon.
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Well, I just got the Hana ML.
I’ve tried it out on a few sides. After some initial muddiness, it came to life.
I know it won’t show it’s true character for a while.
But even now, I hear crisper highs, more detail, deeper bass and a very pleasing overall presentation. Nothing harsh or overwrought. Everything in its place.
Records that I thought sonically compromised are sounding just right.
I know it’s just the beginning, but so far, very pleased.
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I think I made a great choice too. The only problem is that when you get new equipment you go into analytic mode and stop listening to the music, which is deadly. Every record I put on is analyzed for SQ. No way to live. I hope to convince myself to go back to music enjoyment mode
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newbee,
I totally agree that digital is unlimited in capacity and enjoyment. In the past couple of years I’ve gotten my digital setup to where I want it, and it sounds great. I’ve been enjoying streaming and the SQ it provides a great deal.
BUT, I have over 2000 records many of which also sound great, and I want to get the maximum out of that.
I may indeed be “dead meat” if I can’t reconcile the compulsive analysis with the music. Let’s just say, I know what you’re talking about.
But maybe digital and analog can peacefully coexist.
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One thing that I have reaffirmed is that digital and analog are not nearly so far apart sonically as they once were. The gap is much smaller.
Digital has really come a very long way.
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I’m doing my best to follow that ideal.
A word on the cartridge, though.
After about 30 hours, It really shines in vocals, small ensembles and especially jazz. It still hasn’t really opened up with orchestral recordings. I’m hoping after 50 hours or so it will.
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Lalitk,
it’s starting to sound like you’re right.
It’s opening up with orchestral music.
It’s amazing how much of a part breaking plays.
I wouldn’t have believed how much.
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Well, I’ve been playing the Hana cartridge continuously for several days in a row and I’ve accumulated about 50 hours of use on it. Time for a new assessment.
It certainly is an accurate cartridge. I’m hearing details I’ve never heard before.
But, unlike my former cartridge, it is unforgiving of mediocre sounding recordings. Unfortunately, I have several of those. On audiophile quality records it really sounds wonderful. Especially good are smaller groups, Jazz and pop. On orchestral recordings, unless they’re audiophile quality pressings, the results are less favorable.
The reason I started on this adventure of purchasing a new phono preamp and moving coil cartridge was to bring my analog side closer to the quality of my digital side. I’ve more or less succeeded in that. However, as stated, with my setup, digital is more consistent and reliable.
I know this is not true for everyone. You’re experience may certainly vary from mine. It’s also possible, given more break-in, things will change.
I’m not sorry I pursued this path. I’m really enjoying a lot of what this cartridge can do. I just wish it worked better with the majority of orchestral recordings.
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I guess I’ll have to choose between whether I want sonic thrills or just okay sound with the majority of my collection. I do have a lot of great sounding records.
Ordinarily I listen to streaming. I can spend my analog time now with my good records which really sound wonderful.
An alternative is to go back to my Clearaudio Virtuoso cartridge that I thought damaged, but which now appears to be in pretty good shape. That cartridge sounded fine with most orchestral recordings, and also very good with audiophile pressings. The reason I switched to the Hana was, of course, wanting something better, and the reviews were outstanding.
I don’t think my dealer will take back the Hana.
If not, I would try to sell it.
Not sure of what path I’m going to take now.
the two arm solution is not for me.
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Newbee,
You got that last part right.
And maybe the rest, too. :-)
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What I need now is to get back to the MUSIC!
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i have every confidence that the Koetsu Rosewood Signature would work.
Just can’t spend that much right now.
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Thank you all for your help and very helpful suggestions.
The Hana cartridge is obviously not for me.
I won’t be posting anymore or following this discussion.
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Change of heart.
Hana ML finally broke in enough and sounds fantastic.
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A word on the HanaML: IT KEEPS GETTING BETTER!
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