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Mono cartridge recommendation

Ok, so tomorrow, my TNT will be getting a new baby brother.  I'd like to get a mono cartridge for it, my budget for now is up to $1K, less is better but not strictly necessary.

I'm open to MC, MI, or MM carts, but I generally prefer MCs. My Herron VTPH-2A can handle pretty much anything. I also have a few SUTs too to play around with. 

I tend to gravitate toward extremely neutral cartridges, so that's a consideration. I know everyone's system is different and will have different opinions on what constitutes neutral.

I have a couple of tonearms of various masses, so matching shouldn't be an issue. I've seen ATs, Hanas, Ortofons, and a few others in that range, but I don't have an opportunity to audition any of them before purchase.

My system:
Phono preamp: Herron VTPH-2A
Preamp:  Balanced Audio Technology VK-30SE
Amp:  Bryston 4B SST2
Speakers Magnepan 1.7i
Among other things...

I'm hoping the collective intelligence of the group will help me find a good match. So, what are your impressions of various mono cartridges in this price range?
vinylzone
vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for the info and recommendations.  An opportunity presented itself, so I wound up purchasing a used Lyra Helikon Mono. I owned a Lydian Beta in the past, and it was one of my favorite cartridges, so I jumped on it.  Well under max budget, too.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,834 posts
 
OP congrats ! i have heard various Lyra in about ten systems now, they have yet to disappoint. Please do let us know how it works out for you.
vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
Thanks.  It should be coming in by Wednesday, and I should have it mounted and dialed in by next weekend.  I will certainly report back.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,192 posts
 
always great relief to make a decision, looks like a winner, congrats

I found this by quickie search

http://www.edsstuff.org/docs/LYRAHELI.pdf
vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
Elliott, Yeah, that was the first thing I found when doing research, but I considered it a done deal if I could win the auction for what I was willing to pay.  I haven't met a Lyra that didn't sound great to me.
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