As for your question to me about Ortofon, Of course pins coming out is an issue. However, I don’t base purchasing decisions solely on the presence of negative feedback on the Internet. I have never yet encountered a product that I could purchase in which I have not uncovered negative feed back. Everything manufactured has defects, at least if there is some amount of volume in the production line. I remember back in the 80s, some cartridge companies charged more for their highest end cartridges. When asked the difference between that and the next lower product, their response was that it was the exact same product, but that they discarded more of the hire and products and label them as their next highest level. Wish i could remember that company but I was in college and probably trying to memorize other information back then.
Phono cartridge suggestions sought
Hi All,
I am in the market for a new phono cartridge. I can run up to $1400 but would prefer not to if i can get the performance I want.
I listen to predominantly Jazz on vinyl, though some rock, folk and classical also gets spun
I recently heard a Hana SL and Rega Apheta at a dealers—different decks, same room and system. Both sounded good although the Apheta was not as heavy sounding and at the same time sounded more “present”. I wasn’t really looking at the Apheta, but it was available to listen to.
The room is accoustically live with lots of glass and hard surfaces but all sounds good.
System: Naim Atom, Bryston TT, Parasound JC jr phono stage (so huge loading flexibility and gain up to the 60’s), Totem Acoustics Signature Ones, Transparent cables. Current cart: Denon 103r with 250 hours on it, so it is winding down.
I have enjoyed the Denon. But wondering about that all elusive “more.”
on paper spec, nobody touches the Grados for channel separation, but not sure how essential a criterion that should be. Especially since I worked hard to tame some RFI from a nearby antenna and the Grados I have heard said are not well-shielded.
Since my Totems only drop down to 45 Hz, I suppose absolute resolution on the low end could be sacrificed for other sonic goods.
Ok, hive mind, what do you suggest?
I am in the market for a new phono cartridge. I can run up to $1400 but would prefer not to if i can get the performance I want.
I listen to predominantly Jazz on vinyl, though some rock, folk and classical also gets spun
I recently heard a Hana SL and Rega Apheta at a dealers—different decks, same room and system. Both sounded good although the Apheta was not as heavy sounding and at the same time sounded more “present”. I wasn’t really looking at the Apheta, but it was available to listen to.
The room is accoustically live with lots of glass and hard surfaces but all sounds good.
System: Naim Atom, Bryston TT, Parasound JC jr phono stage (so huge loading flexibility and gain up to the 60’s), Totem Acoustics Signature Ones, Transparent cables. Current cart: Denon 103r with 250 hours on it, so it is winding down.
I have enjoyed the Denon. But wondering about that all elusive “more.”
on paper spec, nobody touches the Grados for channel separation, but not sure how essential a criterion that should be. Especially since I worked hard to tame some RFI from a nearby antenna and the Grados I have heard said are not well-shielded.
Since my Totems only drop down to 45 Hz, I suppose absolute resolution on the low end could be sacrificed for other sonic goods.
Ok, hive mind, what do you suggest?
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- 82 posts total
Dear @dramatictenor : Each one has his own preferences so you will have several recomendations for a new cartridge. Today cartridges manufactured by companies as Audio Technica, Nagaoka, Goldring, Audio Note, Ortofon , Dynavector and the like always are a warranty of quality and they are in the market because people buy their products, no manufacturer stays in the market with out enough sales/people buying its products. Here in Agon ads you can see this very good " new " cartridge, very good opportunity to own this quality level performance. Shelther 9000 cartridge motor is extraordinary: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9g9bb-shelter-9000-phono-cartridge-cartridges Another alternatives for less money could be these ones: https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/cartridges/0b93b60b61b69617/index.html https://www.lpgear.com/product/AT-OC9XSL.html https://clearaudio.de/en/products/cartridges-mm-charisma_v2.php https://www.lpgear.com/product/NAGAOKAMP500.html https://www.audio-philia.co.uk/audio-note-cartridges https://www.lpgear.com/product/OR2MBLACK.html and of course the ones by SoundSmith. You have several good options for today cartridges , you don't need to look at the past either MC or MM/MI. Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS, R. |
I purchased a Kiseki Blue for less than your budget from the seller below recently and am very happy with it. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9gb42-kiseki-blue-n-s-brand-new-cartridges Other cartridges I have to compare it to - Hana SL, Van Den Hul MC Two, Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood, Denon DL 301 MKII, Nagaoka MP500. The Kiseki is in another league, only the Van Den Hul comes close to retrieving the amount of detail of the Kiseki. |
- 82 posts total