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Cartridge recommendations under $2500

Since auditioning cartridges is so difficult I’m looking for advise on MC cartridges that should pair well with my equipment. I’m looking for transparency with a bit of warmth and I’m ok buying a low hour used cartridge from a reputable source. My equipment includes:

Linn LP12 with Mose Hercules, Cirkus and Ittok (Effective Mass 11.5g)
ARC PH7 Phono Amp
ARC LS25 MKii Pre Amp
ARC VT200 Power Amp
Raido C1.1 Speakers
Shunyata Alpha Helix Power Cables
Morrow SP7 Speaker Cables
Morrow MA7 Interconnects
Morrow PH7 Phono Cable

Some cartridges I’ve been researching include:
Ortofon Cadenza Black
Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
Lyra Kleos
Koetsu Rosewood
Koetsu Black Goldline
Hana ML

I want to keep the cost under $2,500 and I’m not in a position to upgrade the turntable / tonearm at this time. Oh...and my current cartridge is a Linn Asaka for what it’s worth.

Thanks in advance for your collective advise. I hope this is enough to get the ball rolling.
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sbrownnw
686 posts
 
I love my AT-33PTG/II for $500 from 2juki on eBay.  Many great reviews for both cartridge and seller, many saying best cartridge under $1000.  Is a low MC microline and is an excellent and accurate tracker.  Might be worth a try and then buy more vinyl with your $2000 extra. :)
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,183 posts
 
Given your arm the Ortofon cadenza Black is the easy winner at your price point. I like the Kleos a lot but it is over your price point. Do not buy used cartridges. You never know what you are getting.  The Koetsu's are too stiff for your arm and are not the best trackers. The Hana is nowhere near the Ortofon in performance. The Clearaudio Concerto V2 is a thought if you do not mind your cantilever sticking out in the breeze. Clearaudio and their representatives do a first class job in taking care of their customers. The Vanden den Hul MC 1 Special is another fine cartridge in your price range. It is hard to beat the Ortofon in this price range. I would go with it.
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
The Hana is not the ultimate...but start there. It's fine. And compatible. And resellable. Learn from it and leap in :)
tim_p's avatar
tim_p
361 posts
 
I agree also on HANA microline, using a MCMH with my Gold Note Mediterraneao and love it....for now.....
dducat's avatar
dducat
40 posts
 
Agreed that the Lyra Kleos is out of the desired price range.  I have a Lyra Delos and from everything I've read, the difference between the two is noticeable, but not an order of magnitude higher.  I love the Delos, but it can be a bit bright without loading it right and it's very sensitive to VTA, VTF and so on. It tracks incredibly well and once dialed in it's an amazing cart that might be the best value for the price point. 

Plus, the designer (J. Carr) frequents the forums and his advice is invaluable. You might want to consider the Delos in your list. 
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