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.
@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… ) |
@big_greg I too had planned on bringing up the exact same cart for this post — the VDH Crimson XGW Stradivarius. I only know this because I have a brand new one, still in the box and never used nor installed, that I was planning on selling. happy listening ! |
