Class "A" phono cartridge discussion.

Dear siranthony: Normally class A cartrridges are the ones each one of us own.

Now, why should you hange your EMT when you are satisfied?: maybe you want something different but if not then just re-tipped directly with EMT.

If you want something really good but diferent then you have some options here:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-benz-micro-lp-s-cartridge-2016-02-22-analog-34202-brade...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-ortofon-windfield-moving-coil-cartridge-less-than-150-h...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-van-den-hul-colibri-xgp-gold-reference-mk-2-brand-new-2...

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-transfiguration-audio-proteus-mc-cartridge-2016-02-20-a...


all these cartridges are top performers and can be mated with several tonearms.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

Just to spice up this discussion, I am going to disagree with Raul on the Benz LPS.  I have an extensive experience listening to it on my neighbor's system, and I am quite familiar with the sound of his system using other cartridges over a period of several years.  I find the Benz LPS to be very "meh".  Compared to it, for example, the ZYX UNIverse, the first version, kicked butt on his system.  He has two LPSs and offered to sell me one for a very reasonable cost; I declined.  Benz LPS is not in my own private A category.  In fact, why not a ZYX UNI on the A list?  And for sure would one not have to include the Lyra Olympos or at least one of the top line Lyra's?  I also am and have been very fond of the better Transfiguration cartridges; very neutral without losing the excitement of music.  I know Raul likes them too.  We could have a separate A list for MM cartridges with MI types lumped in.

And I have a question for Raul:  Do you like the Ortofon Windfield better than the top line Ortofons that came before and after it?  Ortofon makes and has made some very fine cartridges, but it is not my impression that progress over time is linear in the upward direction.  Or are you just pointing out some "good" cartridges that are currently up for sale here on Audiogon?

rauliruegas, I have two turntables. Both of them are Origin Live. Both are Encounter arms MK2. Just thinking about my next project. When and if I get something else is undetermined. Sometime in the next year probably.

When I do have my EMT retipped it will probably be with EMT because I like it for many reasons. One big reason is with a conical stylus more of my LP's sound good. I thought you needed a fineline stylus to really trace the grooves. But the EMT is so fast with a conical. The drawback is the life is shorter. Probably less than half of the life of a fineline. I have always had problems with some records not sounding good with a particular cartridge. Mostly due to VTA.

The balance of the sound of the EMT is neutral to warm. It has been compared to a 103. I would agree but it is much faster than a 103. I have been down the 103 modified route. I'm not that interested in going there unless I find a deal I can't pass up. You can clean up the 103 a lot. But it will never get any faster.

I do like the ZYX and Dynavector sounds also. But the prices for the "class A" stuff is prohibitive. I have a Clearaudio Concept MC that I like also. But the Clearaudio prices soar upward so fast My nose starts to bleed.

I guess I'm a middle class guy who wants to hear class A stuff. I have DIYed most of my stuff into class A. Not much I can do with phono cartridges. The thought has crossed my mind to get a microscope and learn how to work on cartridges.    

Also I am very weary of buying any more used cartridges. I have had several used cartridge issues. I will not buy a used one again unless I really trust the seller or I get it at such a low price, it doesn't matter if it needs some work. For example I traded a Delos with about 300 hours and in very good condition for my TSD15. I paid to have both cartridges inspected. I was given the OK but I found the suspension of the EMT had a problem. It turned into a big issue for everyone involved. In the end I decided to keep it because it still plays OK and I like it. But it will need to be retipped sooner or later.

The problem with having EMT do the re-tip or any repair, is that you would also get their suspension.  That is the weak point in the EMT's design.  I believe it is Dom at Northwest Analog that has a 'long life' replacement suspension for the EMT's.  I've had the suspension replaced on mine twice by EMT.  It will be going else where next time.
Regards,