Best Phono Cartridge for VPI Titan Turntable

You are correct, it is subjective. So here is what I value.

I love detailed but musical and natural sounding cartridges. I like a slightly forgiving sound… so I can enjoy the music. I stay away from “detail scrapers”… that are so revealing they get chiseled sounding and anything but perfection in recordings and it is thrown in your face.

So I own a Koetsu Rosewood Signature. Given an open budget I would relook at their line-up and perhaps choose higher. One great thing about Koetsu is the sound is well reviewed and the specific sound is well published so you can easily understand the sound characteristics.

Alternatively I would consider a Van den Hull… look at the top of the line. I owned a grasshopper with my VPI Aries for a couple decades and was extremely happy.

If your tastes in sound is others than mine… you will want to look at other brands. I found reading professional reviews it is pretty easy to understand the sound characteristics of the different cartridges. If they are well reviewed… professionaly.

@palmbeachflorida 

What is it that you are looking for in a cartridge?

Keeping suggestions purely subjective, I'd consider Soundsmith or Audio Technica ART series(ART1000 specifically).

I've used both brands on my VPI, and Ledermann uses  VPI to demo his carts.

Enjoy  it. It's a looker.

You likely have a proper phonostage for any cartridge you decide on.

I have a Audio Research Ref 10 Phono Stage if it makes a difference. Thanks for everyone’s input so far. 

Lyra Atlas.
A proven match with the VPI Fatboy. 

I have a 10" gimbal fatboy/My Sonic Lab Platinum..The best and most musical cartridge that I’ve heard and lots of inner detail..but this is the first time that I have purchased a cartridge of this caliber.

OP,

I’ve got all audio research stuff… so maybe we are looking for a similar sound. There’s a place to put your system and venue if you plan on hanging around. It is really useful for us to make informed recommendations and you don’t have repeat your components.

I like the Hana ML on my prime. But it all depends on your musical tastes.

Lyra Kleos on my VPI 3d reference gimbaled arm I really enjoy it.

+1 test pilot Lyra Atlas.

The Hana Umami was also suggested when I purchased my VPI.

I bought the VPI HW-40 and had them mount the Ortofon Candenza Black. Love the results so far. 

@palmbeachflorida I live close to you and have the same "cost is no object" approach. I have a setup with Kotesu Blue Lace, Soundsmith Hyperion MK II, Soundsmith Sussurro MK II, mounted on Durand Tosca and Sound Acoustic TA-7000. I am out of the country at the moment but will be back in about a month and would invite you to come and test it so you can hear for your self.

I'm in Fort Lauderdale.