2. analog
  3. 194186-168327

Cartridge Upgrade Recommendations

Hello fellow audiophiles,

I've recently found myself gravitating back to vinyl and streaming less, which has reignited my passion for analog listening. As a result, I'm considering upgrading my cartridge..

Current Setup:

  • Turntable: Rebuilt Garrard 301

  • Tonearm: Ortofon TA-210

  • Cartridge: Ortofon Quintet Blue MC

  • Phono Cable: Ortofon

  • Phono Stage: Synthesis 79DC

  • Preamp: Synthesis 117DC

  • Power Amplifiers: Synthesis 98DC monoblocks

  • Speakers: Audio Note AN-E LX HE Hemp

  • Cables: Mix of Audio Note Lexus and AudioQuest​

I appreciate the warmth and weight that my current setup provides, but I feel there's more detail and clarity to be uncovered. Occasionally, the sound seems slightly veiled or muted, lacking the intricate details I'm seeking. I suspect that the stock tubes in my phono stage might be contributing to this, and I plan to experiment with some vintage 12AX7 and 12AU7 tubes from my collection when time permits.

I had my sights set on the Koetsu Rosewood Signature, but with recent price increases, it's become a more significant investment. My budget is around $4,000, though I'm open to stretching it if it leads to a substantial improvement. I'm aiming for a cartridge that maintains warmth and weight but also brings enhanced detail and clarity to the forefront.

My musical tastes are quite eclectic, ranging from Nine Inch Nails to the Grateful Dead, Charles Mingus to RÜFÜS DU SOL, and Muddy Waters to Beck. That said, I predominantly listen to jazz, vocals, and acoustic music on vinyl.

I'm open to purchasing used equipment but have reservations about used cartridges due to potential wear and unknown history.

I would greatly appreciate any recommendations or insights you might have regarding cartridge options that align with my preferences and system. Your collective wisdom is invaluable as I navigate this upgrade.

Thank you in advance for your guidance!

 

John

curtisvill
owu497's avatar
owu497
11 posts
 

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.

larryi
4,248 posts
 

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.  

curtisvill OP
59 posts
 

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.
 

dogberry
788 posts
 

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.)

karl_desch's avatar
karl_desch
448 posts
 

@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.

More to discover