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 teo_audio

Not asking anyone to agree with me — in fact I’m inviting disagreement. "Nah those guys are full of it there’s a big difference when you move up the line," could be one response. But instead I’m getting roundabout confirmations. Only one responder has denied it, albeit in a very noncommittal way.
Yes, but you don’t have to come at things from a vitriolic over amped negative standpoint as an opening motion.

If you tried this at a bar, with strangers, you’d probably wake up with a few missing teeth.

No need to treat people here, who are essentially strangers, with the same psychological launching stratagem.

You are making for a bad forum, and harming other people’s businesses and lives for no good reason. The only thing seen, seemingly, is a lack of awareness and the effect this lack has on others.

It might make for OK conversation with people you know and who know you and are right there in front of you. But good text as the single communication.... it does not make.
I’ve had a strong liking for the Gyger II stylus profile. Being right at the top of the more extreme profiles (neck and neck with them), it does strut it’s stuff rather well, when the given cart is properly set up. It helps one understand why they want vinyl.