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Class "A" phono cartridge discussion.

I would like to have a discussion about what cartridges are class A. Stereophile has their list but I can't help thinking there is probably a lot left out.

Last year I traded my Delos for a used EMT TSD15 because the TSD 15 was listed as class A in Stereophile. I love the TSD 15. It is the best cartridge I have heard. But I will probably have to re tip it soon. $1250 for a re tip is expensive but I will be able to do it when I have to. Moving to anything else from here is just too cost prohibitive. Three to ten thousand for a class A cartridge is just probably not going to happen. Although Miyajima sounds enticing to me. Maybe some day. The funny thing about the TSD 15 is it has been around for decades and I'd never really heard much about it until recently.

 I'm curious if there are other classic cartridges that are class A that can be had for less than the upper echelon price? Maybe we can start a list.

The funny thing about the Stereophile list is that you have to go to a $7000 Lyra, $4800 Sound smith for Class A in those brands. There are currently no ZYX, no Dynavectors and no Shelters on the list despite being popular brands.

I do have a ZYX Yatra and had a Delos. The TSD 15 is better than both. 
siranthony
lewm
13,012 posts
 
Slaw, Are you talking about your one-sentence question regarding best price on an ART9?  And lack of response to your off-topic question causes you to believe other respondents to the OP are snobs?  I would instead conclude that (1) no one here may know the answer to your question, or (2) the question was beside the point, or (3) both.  Obviously, you can search for a vendor inside the USA, if you live in the USA.  Then you might check Tokyo- or HK-based vendors who regularly sell on eBay.  Most of those who have lasted over time are completely reputable and unlikely to cheat you.  I wouldn't even worry about the US warranty; Japanese dealers honor the Japan warranty, which is just as good.  Beyond that, you're on your own. 

For all I know, the ART9 is as good or better than any other cartridge mentioned so far.  But, I wouldn't really know.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
Worthless list!

You have to know how to setup the arm/cartridge/ turntable yourself, and judge for yourself, in your own system, to your own taste!
123hpsetup
1 posts
 
he ranking is therefore intensely subjective—I fully acknowledge that no one 123hp else would come up with the same list in the same order.
lewm
13,012 posts
 
 You waited three years to say that? It goes without saying that a thread like this is easy to criticize for the reason you cite. But if it’s fun to exchange experiences then people will do so. The best one can do with a thread like this is to gather some ideas from other people, while taking nothing too seriously.
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