Mijo, I wouldn't in general argue with your advice, but what about Audio Technica MC cartridges? The ART series sells retail for about $1200 before any discount, and I think they are superb, although I have not compared my ART7 (now discontinued in favor of the ART9Xa) to any of the MMs mentioned here. The OP would probably love the ART9Xi (0.5mV output); it is the offspring of the ART9, which gets as many accolades here as does the sainted Herron phono stage. The ART9Xa puts out only 0.2mV, so unless the OP's phono has enough gain for that, the 9Xi version is the one to think about. Less expensive AT MC cartridges are also excellent. To think I bought my ART7 for only $800.
MM vs MC Cartridges
I have all High Output phono Cartridges on 2 TT's. One is a Thorens TD 1601 and a Technics 1210. My Cartridges are Ortofon 2M Black, Sumiko Blue Point Special EVO III, Ortofon 2M Bronze & HANA EH. My Phono Pre is McIntosh MP100. My integrated Amp Prima Luna Dialogue Premium HP with EL 34's.
I'll be replacing the EL 34's for New KT 120's. I want to Buy a Low Output phono cartridge but I'm afraid I won't get the performance from Low Output cartridges, like HANA ML and others. I do play above 76db in my 350 Sq Ft Retirement Home room. I don't worry about disturbing my Neighbors as they All have hearing loss issues.
I don't want to buy a $1,000+ MC Low output Cartridge only to find my Audio Gear is not up to the Job. My speakers are Joseph Audio Perspectives, Kimber Bifocal XL's Cables. My hearing is excellent for a 71 yr old Man, I'm always in the Rabbit Hole for the last 53 years. It's what I spend my Pension on. What do you think?
Joe
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- 25 posts total
- 25 posts total