Cartridges

Have heard stellar reviews

Solypsa I have a Transfiguration Axia now and yes, thinking about going to a top end Grado Epoch 3 or maybe something a little less. I know the Grado is a MI and not MC like the Axia but, have ready stellar reviews.

I only have 1 expensive record. It is Steely Dan Aja (Cisco) and came from discogs. They were asking 850 for an unopened copy, but I got a used copy, I think they labeled it mint with near mint cover, for 400. I really did it as an experiment to see if there was anything to quality in different pressings. It really is different. I can turn it up as loud as I want with no fatigue at all. And it is super quiet. Sometimes I do visit the hot Stamper site out of curiosity. Just the other day I saw a Led Zeppelin copy there for $2500! I won’t be getting one.

I really appreciate all you guy’s thoughts! Very helpful for me. I admit, my system probably does not warrant a 12k cart based on the cost of the other components. It would be the most expensive piece. But, right or wrong, I’ve heard that it should It should be. Solypsa thanks for this recommendations! My settings consists of:

Pass Int 60 amp

 Parasound JC 3+ phono stage

VPI Classic 1 w/Transfig Axia (upgraded but not sure which tonearm upgrades it has) 

Volti Razz Speakers

digital is:

Innuos Zenith MK3

innuos Phoenix USB

Ayre DB 9 DAC w/20 upgrade

i have upgraded interconnect and power cables that are good. The speaker cable are probably the weakest they’re very old audio quest granite which sound pretty darn good compared to some of the cables I’ve tried all the other cables I’ve tried were not really pricey ones.

For this discussion I’m sure it doesn’t matter about the digital set. But you know the digital sound is what I am comparing the analog to. I am really kind of torn on whether to put a lot of money in the analog versus just spending a reasonable amount on a better DAC because the prices of good records are so high. I just got back into stereo about a year ago so I don’t have a good collection of records. Streaming is so much cheaper by comparison! But analog seems so much easier on the ears for me at similar volumes to the digital.

Based on pindac’s comments, my Transfig Atria is already worn out! I got it used from a family member already on the VPI and it’s probably 8 yrs old. He’s an avid listener too. I didn’t know carts had such limited lifespan. However, the lower freq is the only issue my ears detect in the Axia. Bass punch not as good as the digital side or even as good as the vintage Technics table I set aside with a Grado silver MM. I’ll do some research on cart wear and the exact makeup of my VPI tonearm.

Thanks again to all! I live in SC where there is no access to audio shows or even any good retail outlets where you can demo components. I’m no spring chicken and since my dynamite system (to me at the time) was stolen in 1978, I was out of the serious listening realm. With all the pressures of raising a family and paying a mortgage, couldn’t afford to get back into it. It wasn’t until last year I started piecemeal putting components together. I saved thousands by buying some used pieces like the amplifier, phono and phono stage. If it weren’t for people like you, willing to share your thoughts and experiences, I would have spent much more time and money in the process. I know a lot of folks like the tube amp sound and I am curious how it would compare with my solid state. I do know that I have diminished hearing in both ears for the higher notes so, I’m wondering if the solid-state with his edginess wouldn’t be better for someone like me. Probably need to catch an audio show somewhere to see. Will need to travel. Cheers!