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Phono Cartridge for $1,000.

Currently have Clearaudio Virtuoso MM cartridge . Wanting to go to MC. Found a Hana ML and a Sumiko Blackbird on sale for $1000. I am using a Musical Fidelity M6 phonostage so it will handle all. Is it worth it to change? If so, which one? I live in the sticks in Alabama so listening is almost impossible. 
jsal3689
slimpikins5's avatar
slimpikins5
191 posts
 
I am a huge fan of Audio Technica cartridges.  I have not owned any of their MC designs as I have been a long time user of their very excellent top of the line MM, the AT20ss and it's still one of the best sounding carts out there.  I recently picked up an Ortofon A90 MC which of course is way more money than any of the items being discussed here, but this is a truly outstanding piece.   If I had to send my A90 out for service, I'd be very pleased with swapping back in my AT20ss!   The bottom line here is that if you go for an AT MC design, I am sure that you would be very pleased with the outcome.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
It is the former the coil is wound around. That can be plastic, paper, aluminum, iron ...
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
... or no former at all - "air core"!
tooblue
1,882 posts
 
That new ART9 looks interesting with it's .2mv output, every cart I have ever been able to try that offers different outputs, I have always favored the lower output version, such as the Dynavector 20 series, LYRA Helikon SL, plus the threaded body to attach to the arm is a plus. Can't wait on the feedback on this cart. Enjoy the music
cakids
166 posts
 
Recently purchased the AT ART9 from Upscale Audio. Best sounding cartridge I’ve had so far, and have had 3 pricier ones. Strengths are detail, bass, imaging and timbral accuracy. It just sounds live.
Also have a low end Hana EL, also from Upscale. The Hana has excellent SQ for the price, so I can only imagine the improvement with an SL or ML.
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