I can't answer that, because the priority from everyone is different.
I want (not prefer) a true reproduction of the real thing, the Living presence in front of the Listener. I few carts can do it, most have other strengths. I don't listen to records from 2000+ which were mainly digitally mastered nor to current reissues. I use for example Classic Records 1. batch, 180gr LSC, Originals or old Deccas for my rating. With the right cartridge, in the right System I can count the rows in an Orchestra, the musicians have a physical body and the Listener has a view into the presentation like the microphones have.
Well, one of those which impressed me, is the last fidelity Research Cartridge from their famous FR-7f series, the fz.
It does not work with modern Arms but I am working to find something similar which can do it with a Phantom II Arm...a tough task .-)
I want (not prefer) a true reproduction of the real thing, the Living presence in front of the Listener. I few carts can do it, most have other strengths. I don't listen to records from 2000+ which were mainly digitally mastered nor to current reissues. I use for example Classic Records 1. batch, 180gr LSC, Originals or old Deccas for my rating. With the right cartridge, in the right System I can count the rows in an Orchestra, the musicians have a physical body and the Listener has a view into the presentation like the microphones have.
Well, one of those which impressed me, is the last fidelity Research Cartridge from their famous FR-7f series, the fz.
It does not work with modern Arms but I am working to find something similar which can do it with a Phantom II Arm...a tough task .-)