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Cartridges: Complete Scam?

I’m very new to analog, and researching my options on forums I keep coming across the same sentiment: that past the ultra low-end cartridges, there is very little gains in actual sound quality and that all you’re getting are different styles and colorations to the sound.

So, for example, if I swapped out my $200 cartridge that came with my table for a Soundsmith, Dynavector, Oracle, etc, I may notice a small improvement in detail and dynamics, but I’m mostly just going to get a different flavor. Multiple people told me they perffered thier old vintage cartridges over modern laser-cut boron-necked diamonds.

It’s possible that these people are just desperately defending thier old junk and/or have never heard high end audio. But if what they’re saying is true, than the cartridge industry is a giant SCAM. If I blow 2.5k minimum on an Air Tight I better get a significant improvement over a $200 bundler — and if just all amounts to a different coloration, than that is a straight-up scam ripoff.

So guys — are these forums just BS-ing me here? Is it really a giant scam?
madavid0

Showing 2 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
4,048 posts
 
madavid0- the easiest way to enjoy turntable madness is to simply allow YOUR OWN EARS to dictate where your wallet follows.

You are  clearly not going to join the ranks of owners of $10K+users, and perhaps your system doesn't justify such extravagance.

Your threads just polarize and encourage tired,re-run debate.
Sticking with digital may be your path.

tablejockey
4,048 posts
 
This thread hasn’t progressed/evolved from the 1st page...yawn.

It’s been reading material while eating dinner and listening to music with my over $200 SCAM cartridge, hooked up to my SCAM system exceeding $500.

Amps? Speakers?...lets guess what the next thread that madavido starts.

".....?" is a scam!

How about..Listening to music through a stereo is a SCAM!
SCAM! SCAM! SCAM! SCAM! Its just a good through my IPhone/laptop and Beats!

These type of threads accomplish nothing.

madavid0, just can’t resist a little ribbing. You’ve set it up

EDIT-the AT OC9II is a decent cart.But it will only be heard on a more capable table,phono amp. The fact you have to spend more money however, is a SCAM!
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