Is there usually a dramatic difference between $5k and $10k cartridges ?


In top of the line or near top of the line system.

inna

Of course, I could not afford the setup that a 10K cartridge would require, but I have a question. What type of LP would be up to the task of producing such high quality sound? It seems to me that only the highest quality audiophile discs would justify such a cartridge. I don’t believe the run of the mill LP would benefit, but I may be wrong.

Of course, I could not afford the setup that a 10K cartridge would require, but I have a question. What type of LP would be up to the task of producing such high quality sound? It seems to me that only the highest quality audiophile discs would justify such a cartridge. I don’t believe the run of the mill LP would benefit, but I may be wrong.

Literally any decent sounding LP - there are tons out there. And again, a lot of the difference is just "different sound" with "better" being harder to quantify and agree upon. You might be blown away by a $10K cartidge one day, only to later find a $2K cart you like even better. If you want to go for the most "accurate and resolving" cartridges, I'd probably look at the latest top-end Ortofons or (based on impressions of others - I have not heard these myself) the DS Audio optical carts. The couple times I heard an Ortofon Anna (which is now outdated) it sounded reminiscent of really good, very high-end digital. The A90, Windfeld MC and Ti walk that line a bit, too.

Clearaudio Launches New Flagship Diamond Jubilee MC Cartridge

limited to 45 units, priced at $29,000

mulveling, judging by your description Ortofon doesn't sound appealing. Do you like Lyra cartridges ?