2. analog
  3. 1164379099

Analogue Synergy....Which is the best Cartridge?

I'm getting back slowly into vinyl with the hopes of upgrading my Linn Axis/Basic Plus tonearm in the next couple years. I recently acquired the PS Audio GCPH phono preamp for my system because I thought it offered the most flexibility in terms of upgrading into a wide variety of cartridges. I'm currently using the Linn K9 cartridge.

I want to upgrade my cartridge next and am looking at the following:
Sumiko Blackbird
Shelter 501
Benz Micro Glider
Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood
Dynavector Karat

I've not personally heard any of these cartridges (only read the reviews) but I'm leaning towards the Shelter 501 primarily because it seems to offer the most bang for your buck.

Given my current Linn Basic Plus arm, which cartridge would allow me the best match for my current system. My upgrade path will likely include the VPI Scout with Signature 9 arm in the future.

Can any audiophiles out there with knowledge about cartridge output, tonearm mass, and phono preamps suggest a good match for me? My associated electronics include Aesthetix Calypso, YBA Alpha 2 amplifier, and mentioned earlier, the PS Audio GCPH phono preamp.

Another question, some cartridges have lo, medium and high outputs to match with a wide variety of phono stages. Are the lower output cartridges supposed to sound better?

I would appreciate your input!
Thank you!
calgarian
calgarian5355

Showing 4 responses by audiofeil

audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Agree with Cello. Every Zyx at a comparable Shelter price point is a clear mismatch; the Zyx wins hands down.

The Denon 103R OTOH may be the single best "value" in phono cartridges today. IMO, in the right tonearm, it embarrasses the Shelter 501 and Sumiko Blackbird.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Actually animal you're way off again. I used conical and elliptical stylii for many years beginning in the late 1950's through the 1970's. All of those records play marvelously today and show no "shortened life span" despite hundreds (and some thousands) of plays as you improperly imply. Your records should sound this good but you'll never know given your current arrangement. These albums have no noise, no pops, no clicks. Why? Because they were always kept clean and played with quality and properly aligned equipment. The shape of the stylus regarding record wear is basically immaterial so long as proper precautions and/or implementations are taken.

The Denon is a great cartridge. It will outplay many of the line contact cartridges all day long and into the night. There is much more to a cartridge than stylus shape. You really need to be more careful about disseminating such info; the unaware might actually believe you.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Sounds like a real nice bedroom system.

Congratulations.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
The JMW-9 is a downgrade from your current Linn Basic Plus. If you decide on VPI, mount your Linn or upgrade to something else. The Shelter or Zyx will love you for it.
More to discover