AT Opus 1


I currently use one and its a fine cartridge, ive used the Lyra atlas xl in the past and liked it alot as well.  what would you guys consider the "next level" mc cartridge that will outperform these two, thanks 

ckr1969

Agree very strongly with @tablejockey in that the quest for the one grail cartridge to rule them all is not very productive… but if you want a higher performance Lyra why not seek out the Lambda low output version of what you have ???? 
@jcarr.        Sometimes visits here perhaps he will weigh in

I've also owned top tier Lyras and had a couple Airtights and when I was looking to upgrade from an Airtight Supreme, considered the Opus which is a fine cartridge, but went in a different direction- to Koetsu stone bodies. Those work better for me given certain system parameters but I would not say they are "better" cartridges- instead, the low compliance is more compatible with my air bearing linear arm (Kuzma Airline); the tonal balance is better suited to complement the strengths and weaknesses of the rest of the system (Avantgarde Duos which can be bass-shy without supplementation); and a subjective preference. 

I've heard direct controlled comparisons of some of these cartridges and it is a difference of shading in some cases if all else in the system and room is optimized. 

Good luck, nice choice to have. 

Burmester 175 

Looks the part for a super high end cartridge.

That system looks like it sounds pretty good too.