2. analog
  3. 193371-34300

Cartridge - sweet spot on the cost/sound curve?

I think my Sumiko Blue point 2 is going. Right channel is lower sound level than right using my turntable, totally even using digital. Table is Project RPM 5 carbon that I bought as a store demo with the blue point 2 so no telling how many hrs on it.

 

The rest of the system is a PS audio GCPH phono pre, deHaviland Ultraverve 3, McCormack DNA 1, Martin Logan SL3s with new panels. 
 

I loved the warmth and focus of the blue point but am a bit back by how much they cost $500. Don’t laugh I know carts can cost thousands but I got a kid in college!

 

Any recommendations for something at or under that price point that is better? 

1trackmind
johnto
1,041 posts
 

Soundsmith makes excellent cartridges. If you can find a low hours used one it’s well worth the purchase. They also offer a very generous rebuild policy.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,740 posts
 

Recent splurge, like a Cicada, I’ve got to go dormant for a long while now.

I made an offer, seller agreed to $338 for NOS unopened V15V-P which is P Mount version of V15Vmr (can be used as P or via 1/2" adapter) (same as V15Vmr except no brush)

New Unused Beryllium MicroWall Tube Cantilever with MicroRidge Stylus

If I live long enough to wear it out, or whoever inherits it can put a Jico Boron SAS in it.

used UA-7082 arm in transit; two used AT160ml Berylliums with two azimuth adjustable headshells;1 set of 4 AT616 TT Feet (arrived last evening, very nice, bigger than I realized); lastly this new V15V-P OEM Beryllium Tube.

 

 

found this:

"Post by dlaloum » 18 Jun 2012 00:36

If you have an intact V15Vp stylus there is nothing available today to match it...

Look after that stylus - the beryllium tube cantilever achieves an effective tip mass of around 0.17mg.

The nearest available current stylus is the Jico SAS which works out at around 0.3mg effective tip mass. - Still very good but not nearly as good as the original

The V15VP and V15VMR are electrically completely identical (I have both) - also the Jico SAS VN5MR stylus fits both, and works well on both."

k600r
32 posts
 

Have you considered a Hana EL low output mc cart? The first generation ones can be had for around $475.00 which is within your range or the newer mark 2 version for $600.00 or so I believe. I have the Hana EL and it’s a very good cart for the money even though it has an aluminum cantilever which you said you weren’t fond of. I like boron cantilevers also but I don’t think you would notice on the Hana if you didn’t know. But the sound is rich, good timbre and detailed in the bass through the highs. Midrange is sweet, at least I find it so and it tracks well on my SME 309 arm. Just a thought if your looking for a good reliable cart for not to much money.

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