One factor in the gradual relegation of certain brand names to the back burner, at least internet-wise, has been the introduction to the marketplace of many completely new brands over the last decade, even though many of those are actually made by Excel or other audio conglomerates that formerly built cartridges for the more familiar brand names, for example of a new player, Hana. Meanwhile, some of the best known and highly regarded brands have folded their corporate tents, like Koetsu, Kiseki, etc. (Never mind that some of those old names have been reintroduced by new entities who bought the rights in name only.) Thus it’s just a moving window that sheds light on what’s new.
How Cartridges Fall Out Of Favor Over Time
I returned to analog in the late 1990's and early mid 2000's. Over time I have seen cartridge models, and even manufacturers fall out of favor and others rise or be even begin.
As I think about it, these models have lost favor in the eyes of vinylophiles. At one time they were the cats meow.
Dynavector 10x5 and 17D2 or 3 Karat
Benz Micro Ace and Glider
Audio Technica oc9 II
Sumiko Blackbird and Bluepoint Evo III
ZYX cartridges such as the Bloom and the Airy
Grado wood bodies
These are just the ones I can remember without digging too deep. Some cartridges have model replacements or have been discontinued. Others are still there but just forgotten.
I just bought a Blackbird Lo for a casual use cartridge, I also keep a Glider H2 for those duties also. My next new cartridge purchase is planned on being an Audio Technica ART20. I just wonder how it compares to my older high tier cartridges, as I play a Transfiguration Audio Proteus that has been serviced by VAS and a Kiseki OG Blackheart serviced by AllClear.
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I’ve used several Shelters and like them all - but some are more warm & "bodied" than others. I really enjoy the Accord (sadly discontinued) and 901 III for that. The Harmony is excellent, but at least the one I had was tilted more towards "pursuit of detail" and speed. It’s a little leaner in comparison to an Accord or 901 III. If they still sold Accord I’d buy another. The 7000 is another one in the vein of Harmony, but the Harmony is a bit better overall (though I still really like 7000 too - it has some of its own charms). The 9000 tries to strike a balance in the middle, but perhaps I like the "personality" being more to one side or the other :) |
@ulcerdoc and Mike n Greg making good points… experience has a sound, some of it hard fought victory and some part scar tissue. i am at 4 TT, w 5 arms and 5 warhorse cartridges … yes one could say those efforts are dilutive and move $ away from grail level gear.. perhaps so but I’ve got a pretty good sonic idea what a headshell introduces… carry on gents !!!!! Long live the 17D3 ( I sent mine away for a song… ) |
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