Cartridge Recommendations for SME V Arm


I have a VPI TNT Jr. turntable with an SME V arm. My current cartridge is an older Sumiko SHO feeding an Audio Research PH3 phono preamp in turn into a BAT VK5i preamp and Revel Gem or Revel F208 speakers driven by a BAT VK 6200 6 channel amp. I'd like to upgrade my cartridge and would like to keep the cost below no more than around $3000. I am intrigued by the Hana line and the cheaper Lyra's, Dynavectors , Ortofons, etc. but not really sure where to start. I primarily listen to symphonic classical, 60's and 70's rock, sound tracks and some jazz. Lots to unpack there. Any suggestions to where I should start? Thanks for your thoughts!

me7

Showing 1 response by boothroyd

No takers??

OK, here it goes . . . EMT JSD 6 or HSD 006 MC Phono Cartridge

Healthy outputs (for the lowish gain of your ARC) coupled with Alnico magnets  - just like my favorite Dynavectors 👍

Insert proper loading resistors into your PH3’s internal terminals or externally load via resistor plugs into some AQ “Y” plug RCA adapters with 250 ~ 475 ohm resistors.