Cartridge suggestions for SME Turntable

Thank you all for your suggestions, keep them coming. I have received few suggestions from resellers as below,

Koetsu Rosewood Signature MC,
Etsuro Cobalt Blue,
Chrisma Audio Signature One MC,
Miyajima Labs Saboten L

I would appreciate any input on these carts as well, thank you. 

@jactoy,

Thank you for your post. I have used Hana ML with my Thorens TD1601. It is indeed a very sweet sounding cart. In upcoming weeks, I will be listening to few carts ranging between $4K to $8K, it’s going to be interesting comparison. 

I am also in a process of finalizing the phonostage. What phono you’re listening to with SME10? 

@jperry, 

Thank you for your feedback. I am trying to see if I can get the Benz LP S cart in for audition. The SME 309 certainly can handle carts between 6-17 grans of weight :-)

^^^Noted. 

@jperry,

Thanks for the invite. I loved your system, very exquisite from the choice of gear to the room decor. Well done! 

Thank you everyone for their suggestions. This is all been very helpful and I am learning a lot. Still a long way to go but I feel good about the process.

I also wanted to extend my gratitude to Mr. Colin King @gestalt. He has gone above and beyond in supporting me through the process.

Update.....after listening to Hana - ML MC for 3 weeks, I have decided to bring in recently announced Hana - Umami Red (Low Output) MC. The Umami Red shares some of the critical design elements of Etsuro Urushi Gold ($21K). I hope to use Umami as my reference to compare with following carts lined up for audition over the course of next couple of months,

van den Hul Crimson Stradivarius
Charisma Signature One
Miyajima Destiny
EAT Jo No. 8
Benz LP-S

@audioquest4life 

I have been enjoying Hana Umami since October 2020. Frankly, this cart is so well balanced that I haven’t felt the urge to try anything else. I have just purchased SME V arm, once installed I would get back on track to try other carts. How do you like Benz LP-S? 

@audioquest4life

Thanks for providing insight on Hyperion MKII and Benz LP-S carts. While Hyperion isn’t inexpensive, one can call it a bargain :-) I am going to add Hyperion to my audition list.

I have just upgraded my tonearm from 309 to V and the uptick in performance from Umami was quite shocking. The V allowed Umami to dig deeper and pull out every little detail. The combination of V and Umami is throwing an exceptionally wide and deeper soundstage, the midrange is so palpable along with well balanced bass. I’m having fun, let the journey continue....

@dodgealum 

Glad to hear you’re enjoying Charisma in your amazing system. No immediate plans to try another cart, I’m thoroughly enjoying Umami’s gorgeous well balanced sound :-)