Cartridge Upgrade Recommendations

The Hana Umami Red at $3950 is a good recommendation. It is certainly competitive with mc cartridges costing double its price.

The Dynavector DRT XV1s is a wonderful cartridge that doesn't get enough attention and I have seen them for below $3,800.00 new. I have had one in rotation for the past 15 years along with a ZYX Universe, Miyabi Standard and a Grace F9 with the SoundSmith OCL stylus. Enjoy the music

Thank you @jasonbourne71 and @tooblue for your recommendations, now time to do some research.  There is a tremendous amount of knowledge on Audiogone, but what I read in the analog forum is often times way over my head, but I'm learning.

John

I am very familiar with most parts of your system.  The Garrard 301 and Ortofon tonearm is a terrific combination that I've heard with the Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum cartridge.  I've also heard your Synthesis electronics with Audio Note speakers and find the combination to be fantastic sounding.  It is a warm and rich sounding combination but, unlike some other warmish systems, it will also deliver plenty of punch and good dynamics.  I think something not quite as warm as a Koetsu would also work well in this system.  I have heard, in a system quite like yours, an Audio Technica AT ART1000 cartridge that replaced a Koetsu Rosewood and I liked the Audio Technica sound-different from the Koetsu but still plenty warm and musical.

I believe an upgrade to the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze would satisfy all the needs you mentioned in your post. You'd get a bit more detail and clarity with the Ortofon Windfeld Ti, but I don't think it's worth the substantial price jump.

I also second the Hana Umami (Blue and Red) recommendations.

I like the Cadenza Bronze too.  In any of the various Ortofon lineups, I like the Bronze model over the more expensive Black because of the warmer sound.  

Thank you for the recommendations. Was listening to my stereo last night and was loving what I was hearing. While I feel my digital side is very good, I am liking vinyl more for recent listening sessions. 
 

Now for a couple of more questions. I have never mounted a phono cartridge before, my local shop set up my current table. If I am going to be spending the money for an improved cartridge I want to insure I get the best performance possible from the upgrade. Any advice on mounting the cartridge would be most appreciated. I have always wanted a koetsu here rosewood and I see a couple for sale on the gone that seem reasonably priced. Are any of the cartridges recommended “better” and then the koetsu or are they just different? Thanks for your time.
 

You might stretch to a Soundsmith Sussurro. It's a lovely cartridge at the sweet spot in the SS range, with detail and warmth nicely balanced. And able to be rebuilt for 20% of list price, guaranteed. It rivals the London Decca Reference in my system. Mine is having a rest right now while I run in a Hyperion (which costs 60% more, but is it 60% better? I'll know in a few weeks.)

@curtisvill. Proper cartridge mounting is a big topic.  I would try to find a local shop that you would trust to do it, whatever cartridge you decide on.  Many of us on Agon have invested time and money to learn how to do it ourselves.  There are many excellent tools our there (SmartTractor, Wally Tools) but if you just want to have it done right once then get an expert to do it for you. If you see yourself changing cartriges frequently for fun, then dive into learning how to do it.

Don't be afraid of used carts from respected sellers. It is a good gateway to nice SoundSmith, Koetsu,  Dynavector, AudioTechnica and Ortofon cartridges that have been mentioned in this thread. There really isn't one best cartridge just different.  Its your ears and system that count. Too bad for our pocket books, the only way to really know is to try them out.  I would look for a used Koetsu and dont look back.

I've listened to Linn, Lyra, Koetsu, and My Sonic Lab in my system.  While each are slightly different, I would be very happy with any of those brands, and probably many others!  

I am curious what you would do in this situation.
 

I have found a Koetsu Rosewood signature that has recently been re-tipped for $3150. I would need to find someone to come and help me set up my cartridge as I have never done that.
 

Option two is a brand new Rosewood Koetsu rosewood from my local shop. Most everything I have in my system has come from them and I value the relationship tremendously.
 

I do not know the sonic differences between the Rosewood and the Rosewood signature and would appreciate any insight as to the differences. I know I may be overthinking this, really appreciate your help. This is not only about equipment, it is also about a relationship. 

I would start with a new Rosewood purchased from the shop that can get it mounted for you.  Hopefully they will know how it mares with your tonearm which a fear may need more mass to take advantage of the low compliance Koetsu. You are in for a treat.

So I went with what @karl_desch recommended and purchased the Koetsu rosewood from my local shop, the owner and his son just left after installing it on my turntable. All I can say is WOW! The depth, weight, and detail is simply stunning. I am amazed at how quiet it is while listening, just silent background. Very happy with my purchase. Happy listening. 

Great!  Hope you are experiencing a little Koetsu magic.  It will get even better as you get more hours on the cartridge. Enjoy!

Congrats on your Koetsu!

I like your whole system.  Not only are the individual components very good, they work well as a system.  I particularly like Synthesis amps driving AN-E speakers.  Your Koetsu fits in well.  The area to explore is cables.  Lexus is very rich sounding cables.  You should borrow some Audio Note silver cables just to see if you like the increased clarity (with slightly less warmth).  

@larryi I currently use Audio Note Lexus speaker cables and silver Audio Note cables between the phono stage and preamp, the rest are a mix of Audioquest and Cardras. Just purchased 3 new Synthesis power cables for the amps and preamp, next path is AN cables thruout and a new DAC. I appreciate everyone’s help and guidance. 
 

john 

I would concur with Jason Bourne - I just got a Hana Red (around $4K) a few days ago to replace a damaged Clearaudio Charisma MM, and it's just what my system needed. It needs over 100 hours to fully break-in, but even right out of the box it's the best sound I've ever heard on my setup. 

I am a long long user of the LP as the Source Material and even though having a CD Source as well, do consider the Vinyl Replay set up as the main source.

Out of all the regular concerns for keeping the Vinyl Source optimised in performance, the Cartridge is the largest segment to be seen on the imaginary Pie Chart. 

For the OP it is time to come down to earth and have a reality check.

Cartridges are Sacrificial as a Audio Component, with the addition of being very very very Fragile and are prone to easy destruction!!

The Cart' from the moment it is put into Service is incrementally losing its optimisation as a design, this is even worse when design failings, such as a materials selection for the overall assembly, substantially decreases the time the for the full loss of optimal condition.

From the day the Cart' is put into Service, the amount of ambient environment 'Micro Crud' that enters into the Inner Workings oof the Cart' and collects local to the Cart's Body Penetration for the Cantilever is hard to fathom when witnessed as being present. Metal particulate is known to collect on windings and compromise coils, with the risk of Coils shorting. There are those very aware of this and have put measures in place to improve the Cart's environment. The intention to protect the Cart', by creating an ambient environment that is improved and Cart' friendly. Air Filtration and Substantial Magnets are to be discovered in use by some who take management of the ambient environment serious for their Vinyl Source. 

Purchasing a Very Very expensive Cart', that is as fragile as the cheapest of Cart's takes Balls. It is quite easy for others to Jump In and Spend another's Hard Earned monies with no experiences of the proposal and only Brand Promotion as the consideration. I look through this type of content and go beyond to discover where experiences are the basis for the content being shared.    

The budget being discussed suggests a projected $4 per Album replay. The reality is, this can quite easily be a one off $4K per Album Replay, working down the scale to the most desirable outcome for a cost per replay.            

For the OP, the first thing to do if purchasing in the US when Spending the Amount of Money being considered, is to make the inquiry about how long is the Warranty Period on the Purchase. Finding the Vendor that has the most attractive extension of time is worth the investigation.

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The following Quote is from a Source that is time served and very very experienced. It seems a Cart' Model or All Models are prone to a early loss maintaining a useful level of optimisation.

The author alerting others to quality concerns is a subject that should not be overlooked by anybody producing a Shortlist for Cart's in the Multi Thousands Price Range. 

The most honest and most problematic of modern cartridges.
"I have always liked and continue to like the sound of ZYX, but since an indefinite time there has been a change in the damper material, which led to a terrible effect. The damper no longer holds its shape under the powerful pressure of the magnetic field, which turns the coils inside out.
Damper deformation leads to a terrible channel imbalance, which reaches 3 - 6 dB.
I repeat that the cartridge has a very good sound while it is young.
I would require that the product's production date and expiration date be marked on the packaging, just like in the grocery department of a store.

Does the ZYX company know about this? I think they know, at least the dealers who get rid of expired products at reduced prices are well aware of this."

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There is also the option to start a dialogue with the Cart' Producer, in the case of Cartridges being discussed, the Contact is quite likely to be based in the Far East. Not all Producers are contactable, but there are dialogues to be had with a selection of producers.

When spending $4K'ish questions should be asked? Yes/No?

How about, if successful in contacting a Producer, the inquiry is made to learn if they are willing to deal directly with yourself?

How about learning what their Warranty Terms are and the Warranty Period is, if you were to Purchase?

How about explaining to a Producer the Cart' inquired about, would become a much more secure closed won sale for them, if they were to select a Cart' with a Stylus Zenith Alignment that is 90 degrees, as this is the Geometry that is mostly reported to not be consistently accurate on the Cantilever Assembly across a broad range of Cart's.

Additionally, Consider one other benefit of going direct, a Very Very Fragile Cart' is posted once only, creating the minimum risk of it incurring a loss of optimisation through being subjected to a Postal Service Treatment. The Alternative being increased risk to the Cart' through an increased amount of periods of being in transit!! 

The same benefits of direct postage remains, if the Cart' is to be returned for a end of life overhaul. 

Whilst making a decision, the Quintet Blue is seemingly delivering good sound whilst in service and doing its job fine. The Cart' has undoubtedly had the impact, where it has swung you towards your Vinyl Source.

How many usage hours are on the Quintet ?

Will it benefit from a Mid Life Intensive Clean ? 

My further suggestion is to attempt to loan a few Phonostages for demo' purposes across a few months and see if other synergies can be found for the Quintet that increases the good impression already made. This practice does not necessarily need to have much cost attached, but the learning can be immeasurable as a outcome.   

I myself, thoroughly enjoy how a Phonostage interfaces with a Cartridge and have been through quite a selection and been demo'd many many more. The present situation being, A Valve Hybrid, Valve Input / Output are readily available to be experienced in use along with SUT's, and a Birthday Present SS Phon' is being commission built, which will be bready for my usage very near the big day, but will be a little late as the present for the big day. Phon's for myself are much more fun than Cartridges, probably because they impact on an end sound, to the point it is a deal breaker / or maker, but are definitely not stupidly fragile as a device, or end up seizing mechanically through the efficiency of attracting contamination.    

Thank you @pindac , there is a lot to unpack in your post. I have thought about upgrading my phonostage, but not sure what direction to go. My local is great, he will let me take most any piece I want for a home demo.
 

Last night after listening to my vinyl rig for 4 hours I wanted to stream Alan Parsons Project I Robot and it did not have the same depth, richness, and detail my vinyl side offers. I should state that there was a time my streaming was better than my vinyl but that has now been upended. I should also say that I do not need anything new, my system sounds amazing, 

 

John 

I've had cartridges for many decades, and except for one stupid accident recently, have never damaged one or needed on replaced. Just a reasonable amount of care (which I did not take the other day) will protect these 'fragile' instruments from damage. My current one has had more of a positive impact on my system than any other component besides the speakers. 

The individuals experiences are broad in relation to their own input to damaging a Cartridge or how another who got near Cart' was to damage it.

Whilst a Cart' is receiving the finest of care from the user, and wear and tear through use is only to be considered, running parallel with this, is the environment the Cart' is being used in, over a period of time the ambient conditions can be quite brutal to the needs of the Cart', the function will become compromised and it will not remain as an optimised performer. 

Cart' owners are for some reason, not willing to see this side of owning a Cart' that has been a large sum to purchase. Hence, my suggesting a intensive clean during the usage life at approx' 50% in. This will also get a fair assessment of the Stylus condition as well, which might be an indicator an improved record care may be required, if found to be quite worn?