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Cartridge recommendations under $2500

Since auditioning cartridges is so difficult I’m looking for advise on MC cartridges that should pair well with my equipment. I’m looking for transparency with a bit of warmth and I’m ok buying a low hour used cartridge from a reputable source. My equipment includes:

Linn LP12 with Mose Hercules, Cirkus and Ittok (Effective Mass 11.5g)
ARC PH7 Phono Amp
ARC LS25 MKii Pre Amp
ARC VT200 Power Amp
Raido C1.1 Speakers
Shunyata Alpha Helix Power Cables
Morrow SP7 Speaker Cables
Morrow MA7 Interconnects
Morrow PH7 Phono Cable

Some cartridges I’ve been researching include:
Ortofon Cadenza Black
Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
Lyra Kleos
Koetsu Rosewood
Koetsu Black Goldline
Hana ML

I want to keep the cost under $2,500 and I’m not in a position to upgrade the turntable / tonearm at this time. Oh...and my current cartridge is a Linn Asaka for what it’s worth.

Thanks in advance for your collective advise. I hope this is enough to get the ball rolling.
Ag insider logo xs@2xbstakston
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Don't forget that for Koetsu you need a heaviest possible tonearm, it's a very low compliance cartridge! If you can get heavy tonearm like IKEDA then look for Miyajima cartridges. Don't know why Hana is in your list if you can get Koetsu ? 

The rest of the cartridge from your list are for mid mass tonearm. 
wlutke
725 posts
 
I tried several cartridges in that range including the DV xx2-2, Cadenza Bronze, Zephyr MIMC.  The DV is worth a look.  It has detail and warmth in moderation.  The Cadenza is very warm and kind to poor recordings.  The MIMC is a good one, fairly neutral.  I suggest replacing that under performing PH7 first.  It held back all those cartridges severely.  
Ag insider logo xs@2x
bstakston OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for the quick feedback guys... wlutke, what did you end up replacing the PH7 with?
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,443 posts
 
“Don’t know why Hana is in your list if you can get Koetsu”

@chakster,

I am no pro but Koetsu Blackline Gold - $3K cost more than twice the price of Hana ML, is it really that much better?

Hana ML, IME is a very balanced cartridge with gorgeous sound. I loved it so much that I’ve decided to try the Hana Umami Red. At $1200 US retail, Hana ML is a absolute bargain and well deserved to on anyone’s list of under $2500.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@lalitk 

the OP considering Koetsu Rosewood, not that entry level Black which is the worst Koetsu. He has mentioned Rosewood and this is another level. 

Comparing Hana to Koetsu Rosewood is very strange in my opinion.

You're right about the prices, Hana is relatively cheap MC, but Koetsu always was the most expensive premium cartridge.

If a person can buy premium Koetsu then why even look at the Hana (aka Excel Sound) ?    




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