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Cartridge Opinions - Sorry

Yeah, another dumb "what's your opinion on these cartridges" thread. Back in the late 80's we had dealers where you could listen to the stuff.

So anyhow I have a Linn LP12 with Ittok arm and a 30 year old Audioquest B200L cartridge. I'm running it through the phono stage of a Jeff Rowland Coherence One into a Spectral DMA90 through a set of Kef R300's.

I prefer a little more laid back sound (err on the side of forgiving instead of fatiguing) but I like a lot of upper end detail, precise soundstaging, air, etc.

So far I'm considering an Ortofon Quintet S Black, Hana SL or a Benz wood - something at or below the $1k level.

I'd love to hear any opinions, suggestions, and experiences with those cartridges or others in the price range. I could possibly go higher if there is something out there that really shines for less than $1,500.

Thanks.


klooker

Showing 1 response by bpoletti

bpoletti
1,556 posts
 
IIRC, your old Audioquest B200L is a low output cartridge.  If $1500 is your cap, there are a lot of good performing carts from Ortofon and Audiotechnica.  The AT-OC9/II or /III will perform nicely in your arm cart combo.  Stepping up, the AT ART9 may provide you with a very good listening experience.  The Hana SL is also a good cart, but not in the same league as the AT's.

Don't expect the Rowland phono section to be able to keep up with the modern phono stage offerings.  But it is, in itself, a little laid back.
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