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Which low output MC cartridge

I am in the market for a low output moving coil cart for my Rega P5. I have recently added upgrades from Groovetracer and an HRS record clamp. I am using a Creek OBH-15 Phono pre and now want a low output mc cartridge for under $1,000. I am currently using the Denon DL-103SA, but want to try one other to switch with. I am thinking about either the DL-304, Kontrapunct A, Dynavector 20x or 17 D3. There are also a couple of Ortofon's in the category including the Rondo Blue and Bronze, which I have never read anything about. I know this is a wide range, but they are all in my price range and I am only getting one. Anybody familia with these cartridges who has an opinion (thats a pretty ironic thing to ask in an audiophile forum) on another good match with the Rega, please give me your advice. I am going to live with this for a while, although I have said this about many other pieces of hi-fi detritus that is languishing in my dloset. Thanks in advance.
jhartbirdman

Showing 1 response by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Agree with Tom hankins. Making the jump to LOMC without a suitable table, arm and (especially) phono stage is a classic error.

I currently own a $5K LOMC, a $2K LOMC and a $200 MM. Are the LOMC's better? Yes, but only in a suitably matched system.

It's fair to say my phono stage, table and arm are well above the level of yours. But if I dropped even one of them to the level of a Creek my LOMC's would become unsatisfactory. The MM would become the better sounding cartridge. I know because I've made that journey.

Unless money is no object and you plan on upgrading everything, the optimal bang-for-buck upgrade order is usually:
- Table first
- Phono stage a close second (but first if using an LOMC)
- Tonearm third
- Cartridge a very distant fourth

This is my experience but it certainly isn't my idea. Linn has been espousing this hierarchy for 30 years, because it works.
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