I have the ZYX Yatra R 100. Feeling pretty good. I agree. It is fabulous 😍
Grading of phono cartridges Part 3
This is my third posting on this subject. Upgraded in December of 2019
As before I remind to all respected Audiophiles- It is my personal observation
testing and trading cartridges. I do 30-100 transactions every month and I need
these numbers handy.
I’m not putting it for public use to be involved in any discussion or answer
any questions. Currently my company produces Aidas phono cartridges- so few of
them have high rating. (feels like I'm
biased on this, but hear the Aidas sound before you judge me) I’m also not
affiliated with any other brands (even I have done some grading and testing for
few analog brands and audio dealers around the world).
I will be pleased if my observations and experience help you in any way. Also I always answer all questions related to my listings and try to fulfill requests on some rare models. I'm proudly inform all my customers that I'm involved in production o ViRa tonearms as well. Please visit my site virahighend.com for more information and some rare cartridges as well. The aidasaudio.com dedicated to Aidas phono cartridges.
/////////////////
All general grading philosophy rules are copied from my previous posting.
1. The testing was done on High End set up worse around $100K
2. The results are from the last 12 years
3. Most of the cartridge evaluations were done on uni-pivot or bi-axis arms.
Only about 20% are from tangential and air tangent arms.
4. Most of the cartridges were tested on 2 or 3 arms (except really low end)
5. The ratio of used and new cartridges approximately 85% used and 15% new-
therefore some cartridges could be not working up to specs 100%
6. I have few re-build and re-tipped cartridges on the list and sometimes they
sounded better then original, sometimes they sounded worth.
7. There are many cartridges that have better sonic value, but lower position
over all. Some cartridge have great appearance, mounting and re-sale value, but
sound mediocre. If cartridges have same grading points I try to put higher on
the list cartridges with better sonic value and cheaper original sale price.
////////////////////
The grading philosophy.
For the simplicity I have 10 grading categories. Each categories worth 10
points. There are 3 technical categories and 7 sonic categories. The best and
maximum score could be 100 point.
The 3 technical categories are:
1. Appearance/ Packaging
Packaging and appearance are very important for re-sale value.
2. Mounting and aligning
75% of cartridge damage occur at the mounting and aligning process. Scary but
fact. We are not talking about catastrophic damage, but also scratches, dings
etc. Therefore threaded multiple holes on square angled body would get 10point
compare to a round body or other type of mounting holes/hooks. I love Miyabi or
Mark Levinson MLC cartridges, but it's almost impossible to mount and align
these visually.
3. Resale value
35 years old $230 Grace F-9 Ruby and 5 years old $5000 Linn Arkiv have the same
"street" re-sale value.
30 points maximum for technical grading.
/////////////////
The 7 sonic categories are:
1. Low frequency
2. Mid frequency
3. High frequency
4. Soundstage width and depth
5. Background or surface noise pick up
6. Dynamics
7. Overall presentation and impression
Everything is simple and clear. Cartridge overall is the first link and lost or
mis-represented information from the record would never be restored no matter
how much $$$ you will invest in the other links of your system.
To summarize all these:
The number on the left represent current ranking.
The 3 numbers on the right are technical grading (30 max), sonic grading (70 max) and overall score(100 max)/////////////////
BRAND MODEL TYPE TECH SONIC GRADE
- Aidas Malachite Gold MC 28 70 98
- My Sonic Lab Signature Gold MC 29 69 98
- Air Tight Opus MC 29 69 98
- ZYX Omega 4D G SB MC 29 69 98
- ZYX Omega 4D X SB MC 29 69 98
- Aidas Gala Gold LE MC 29 69 98
- Symphonic Line RG-8L VDH MC 29 69 98
- Van Den Hul Condor XCM MC 29 69 98
- Aidas Mammoth Gold 2X MC 27 70 97
- Haniwa HCTR01 MC 28 69 97
- Shun Mook Reference 2 MC 29 68 97
- Krell/Miyabi KC-200 MC 28 68 96
- MFSL Miyabi carbon MC 28 68 96
- Shinon Red Boron (retip) MC 28 68 96
- My Sonic Lab Eminent Ex MC 28 28 96
- Transfiguration Orpheus MC 28 68 96
- J.Allaerts MC-1 Boron MC 28 68 96
- J.Allaerts MC1 B MKII (retip) MC 28 68 96
- ZYX Universe S MC 28 68 96
- ZYX Universe XS MC 28 68 96
- Audio Tekne 6310 MC 27 68 95
- Megasonics (Win labs) MC-10 MC 27 68 95
- Aidas Baby Mammoth MC 27 68 95
- Aidas Rainbow Malachite MC 27 68 95
- Aidas Panzerholz MC 27 68 95
- Aidas Rainbow Durawood MC 27 68 95
- Aidas Red Grasp MC 27 68 95
- Aidas Rainbow Shibata III MC 27 68 95
- Mark Levinson Rose Petal MC 27 68 95
- Koetsu Urushi Black SS retip MC 27 68 95
- Koetsu Onyx Platinum Sig. Diamond MC 27 68 95
- Charisma MC-2 MC 27 68 95
- EMT-Barco HSD-6 MC 27 68 95
- Kiseki Blue Gold Spot MC 27 68 95
- Clearaudio Gold Finger MC 27 68 95
- Blue Electric Shake Streamliner MI 27 68 95
- Van Den Hul Black Beauty XSP MC 27 68 95
- Holborne MC-1 MC 27 68 95
- Miyabi MCA MC 27 68 95
- Bluenote Baldinotti Signature SS retip MC 27 68 95
- Sound Smith Voice MI 27 68 95
- Miyabi Cello MC 27 68 95
- Accuphase MC-2 MC 27 68 95
- Brinkman Pi MC 27 68 95
- Transfiguration Temper Supreme MC 27 68 95
- Dynavector Te Kaitora MC 28 67 95
- Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua MC 28 67 95
- EMT HSD -5 MC 28 67 95
- Kiseki Blue Silver Spot MC 28 67 95
- Miyabi/47 lab 4723 (bar base) MC 28 67 95
- Goldbug Mrs. Brier MC 28 67 95
- Shelter 9000 MC 28 67 95
- Dynavector DRT XV-1 MC 28 67 95
- Dynavector DRT XV-1S MC 28 67 95
- Dynavector DRT XV-1T MC 28 67 95
- Lyra Titan MC 28 67 95
- AKG P-100E MI 28 67 95
- EMT Brinkman MC 28 67 95
- Thorens MCT-88 MC 26 68 94
- Linn Akiva MC 26 68 94
- Aidas Panzerholz Ruby MC 27 67 94
- Aidas BlackSound Diamond MC 27 67 95
- Aidas Purpleheart Diamond MC 27 67 95
- Aidas Purpleheart Ruby MC 27 67 95
- Transfiguration Temper W MC 27 67 94
- Ortofon MC-25FL MC 27 67 94
- Monster Cable Genesis 2000 MC 27 67 94
- Dr. Jazz Blue Note MC 27 67 94
- Koetsu Jade Signature Platinum MC 27 67 94
- Benz Micro RUBY MC 27 67 94
- Myajima Shilabe MC 27 67 94
- Benz Micro RUBY Z MC 27 67 94
- Benz Micro Ruby 2 MC 27 67 94
- Benz Micro Ruby 3 MC 27 67 94
- ZYX Kosmos Gold MC 27 67 94
- Garrott Brothers P-87 MC 27 67 94
- Van den Hul White Beauty MC 27 67 94
- Madrigal Carnegie-2 MC 27 67 94
- Aidas Red Heart Indian MC 27 67 94
- Aidas Red Heart Gabon MC 27 67 94
- EMT TU-3 MC 27 67 94
- Transfiguration Esprit MC 27 67 94
- Transfiguration Spirit MC 27 67 94
- Transfiguration Phoenix MC 27 67 94
- Cardas Silver Heart Myrtle MC 27 67 94
- Koetsu Urushi Black MC 27 67 94
- Koetsu Black MC 27 67 94
- Koetsu Black Goldline MC 27 67 94
- Koetsu Onyx MC 27 67 94
- Koetsu Onyx long body MC 27 67 94
- ZYX Yatra MC 27 67 94
- ADC TRX-1 MM 27 67 94
- ADC TRX-2 MM 27 67 94
- ADC TRX-3 MM 27 67 94
- Clearaudio Stradivari MC 27 67 94
- Clearaudio Da Vinci MC 27 67 94
- Van den Hul Colibri XGW MC 27 67 94
- Denon DL-107 MM 27 67 94
- ADC Astrion MM 28 66 94
- Shinon Red MC 28 66 94
- Tsurugi Ceraloy MC 28 66 94
- Ikeda 9-CV/9-EM MC 28 66 94
- Sumiko Virtuoso Dti MC 29 65 94
- Sumiko Black Bird MC 29 65 94
- Korvet GZM 008 MM 26 67 93
- Denon S-1 MC 26 67 93
- Miyabi/47 lab 4723 (round base) MC 26 67 93
- Sony XL-55 MC 26 67 93
- Sony XL-55 Pro MC 26 67 93
- Sony XL-MC9 MC 26 67 93
- Mark Levinson MLC-1 MC 27 66 93
- SAEC XC-10 MC 27 66 93
- Benz Micro REF MC 27 66 93
- Oracle Thalia MC 27 66 93
- Jeweltone JT-R II Ribbon 27 66 93
- Heed Zene MC 27 66 93
- Sumiko Palo Santos MC 27 66 93
- Shelter 7000 MC 27 66 93
- Shelter 701 MC 27 66 93
- Shelter 5000 MC 27 66 93
- EMT XSD-15 VDHul MC 27 66 93
- Aidas BlackSound ruby MC 27 66 93
- Lyra Argo MC 27 66 93
- Rega Apheta MC 27 66 93
- Grace F-9R (Ruby) MM 27 66 93
- Technics EPC- 100C MKII MM 27 66 93
- Accuphase AC-1 MC 27 66 93
- Van Den Hul Black Beauty S/S retip MC 27 66 93
- Air Tight PC-1 MC 27 66 93
- Audio Note IO I MC 27 66 93
- ZYX R100 H MC 27 66 93
- ZYX R1000 MC 27 66 93
- ZYX R1000 Airy2/s MC 27 66 93
- Van Den Hul Frog Gold MC 27 66 93
- Accuphase AC-3 MC 27 66 93
- Shelter 90X MC 27 66 93
- Koetsu Urushi Gold MC 27 66 93
- Benz Micro Wood M2 MC 27 66 93
- Benz Micro Wood H2 MC 27 66 93
- Benz Micro Wood HO MC 27 66 93
- Supex SD-901 wood MC 27 66 93
- Van Den Hul Grasshopper XGP MC 27 66 93
- Van Den Hul Crimson MC 27 66 93
- Nagatron HV9100 Ribbon 27 66 93
- Yamaha MC-1X MC 27 66 93
- Audiotechnica 155MLX MM 28 65 93
- Denon A-100 MC 27 66 93
- AK Labs S-921 MC 27 66 93
- Ak Labs EC-3 (SS retip) MC 27 66 93
- Supex SD-901 Super MK4 MC 27 66 93
- Dynavector DV-XX-1L SS tip MC 27 66 93
- Kiseki Purpleheart(VDH tip) MC 28 65 93
- Goldbug Mr. Brier MC 28 65 93
- Spectral Reference Signature MC 28 65 93
- Monster Cable Alpha 2HO Ruby MC 25 67 92
- EMT TSD-15 MC 27 65 92
- Sony XL-45 MM 27 65 92
- Mission 773 VDH re-tip MC 25 67 92
- Audioquest AQ 7000 retipped MC 25 67 92
- Goldbug Clement II MC 25 67 92
- SAEC C1 MC 26 66 92
- SAEC C3 MC 26 66 92
- Korvet GZM 005 MM 26 66 92
- Sony XL-MC1 MC 26 66 92
- Sony XL-MC3 MC 26 66 92
- Argent MC-500HS MC 26 66 92
- Audiocraft AC-05 MC 26 66 92
- Aidas AS-1 MC 26 66 92
- Denon 103SL Soundsmith MC 26 66 92
- AKG P-8 Aidas mods MI 26 66 92
- Clearaudio Victory H MC 26 66 92
- Clearaudio Signature Gold MC 26 66 92
- Dynavector Karat 23R MC 26 66 92
- Dynavector Karat Nova MC 26 66 92
- Supex SD-909 MK II MC 26 66 92
- Van Den Hul Frog MC 27 65 92
- Van Den Hul Grasshopper GLA MC 27 65 92
- Van Den Hul Grasshopper GLA III MC 27 65 92
- Van Den Hul Grasshopper XGM III MC 27 65 92
- Van Den Hul Grasshopper SLN III MC 27 65 92
- Van Den Hul Grasshopper SLA III MC 27 65 92
- Van Den Hul Grasshopper SLA MC 27 65 92
- Van Den Hul Grasshopper GLZ MC 27 65 92
- Lyra Clavis MC 27 65 92
- Lyra Clavis DaCapo MC 27 65 92
- Lyra Kleos MC 27 65 92
- Charisma MC-1 MC 27 65 92
- Benz Micro MC-1 MC 27 65 92
- Benz Micro REF 3 MC 27 65 92
- Clearaudio Concerto MC 27 65 92
- Dynavector DV-XX-2 MKII MC 27 65 92
- McIntosh MC-10 Talismann MC 27 65 92
- Transfiguration AF-1 MC 27 65 92
- Shelter 901 MC 27 65 92
- Koetsu Rosewood MC 27 65 92
- Koetsu Rosewood Red MC 27 65 92
- Koetsu Urushi Wajima MC 27 65 92
- Crown Jewel Reference MC 27 65 92
- ZYX R-50 Bloom MC 27 65 92
- Allnic Audio Verito Z MC 27 65 92
- Allnic Audio Puritas MC 27 65 92
- JewelTone JT-R II Ribbon 27 65 92
- Elac EMC van den hul MC 27 65 92
- Ortofon SPU Royal N MC 27 65 92
- Ortofon 70th Anniversary MC 27 65 92
- Ortofon MC-3000 MC 27 65 92
- EMT XSD-15 MC 27 65 92
- Sony XL-88D retipped MC 27 65 92
- Sony XL-88 MC 27 65 92
- Dynavector KaratDiamond 100D MC 27 65 92
- Oracle Paris MC 27 65 92
- Dynavector Ultimo 20B MC 27 65 92
- Madrigal Carnegie-2 Soundsmith optym MC 28 64 92
- Linn Asaka VDH tip MC 25 66 91
- Linn Karma VDH tip MC 25 66 91
- Cartridge Man Music Maker MK III MI 25 66 91
- Elac ESG-795 Van D Hul MM 25 66 91
- Technics P205 MK 3 MM 25 66 91
- Rata RP-70 VDH MM 25 66 91
- Supex SDX-2000 MK II MC 26 65 91
- Supex SD-909 MC 26 65 91
- Entre MC-5 boron MC 26 65 91
- Shelter 501 MC 26 65 91
- Fidelity Research MC-44 MC 26 65 91
- Korvet GZM 108 MM 26 65 91
- Benz Micro Glider H MC 26 65 91
- Benz Micro Glider L MC 26 65 91
- Yamaha MC-1S MC 26 65 91
- Yamaha MC-101 MC 26 65 91
- Shelter 501 MKII MC 26 65 91
- Dynavector Karat 23RS MC 26 65 91
- Linn Klyde MC 26 65 91
- Linn Arkiv/Arkiv B MC 26 65 91
- Van Den Hul One MC 26 65 91
- Sumiko Celebration Pear MC 26 65 91
- Clearaudio Maestro MM 26 65 91
- Audiocraft AC-03 Mono MC 26 65 91
- Charisma Ref One MC 26 65 91
- Empire MC-5 MC 27 64 91
- Van Den Hul Two MC 27 64 91
- Dynavector Karat 23 MC 27 64 91
- Empire/Van Den Hul 1000 MC 27 64 91
- Benz Micro Ace MC 27 64 91
- Lyra Lydian MC 27 64 91
- Lyra Helicon MC 27 64 91
- Shelter 301 MC 27 64 91
- Clearaudio Talismann MC 27 64 91
- Van Den Hul Colibri XCP HO MC 27 64 91
- Monster Cable H2O MC 24 66 90
- ELAC ESG-794 MM 25 65 90
- Audioquest AQ-7000 NSX MC 25 65 90
- Ortofon 70th Anniversary MC 25 65 90
- Ortofon Rohmann MC 25 65 90
- Linn Troika MC 26 64 90
- AKG P-8 ES Super Nova MI 26 64 90
- Denon 103D MC 26 64 90
- Denon DL-103C MC 26 64 90
- Denon DL-103S MC 26 64 90
- Denon DL-103FL MC 26 64 90
- Yamaha MC-1000 MC 26 64 90
- Yamaha MC-9 MC 26 64 90
- Audiotechnica ART 9 MC 26 64 90
- Sensitive Sound Splash 5 MC 26 64 90
- Wilson Benesch PLY MC 27 63 90
- Supex 900 Super MC 27 63 90
- Highphonic A-300 MC 27 63 90
- Audiotechnica At-37E MC 27 63 90
- Van Den Hul MC-10 MC 27 63 90
- Bluenote Boboli MC 27 63 90
- Dynavector DV 50x MC 27 63 90
- Dynavector 20X L MC 27 63 90
- Dynavector 20X S MC 27 63 90
- Dynavector D20B MC 27 63 90
- Grado The Reference MI 28 62 90
- Grado Ref Master MI 28 62 90
- Ortofon Jubilee MC 25 64 89
- Technics P202 (boron) MM 25 64 89
- Cartridge Man Music Maker 3 MI 25 64 89
- Linn Asaka MC 25 64 89
- Linn Karma MC 25 64 89
- Audiotechnica AT-33 EV MC 24 64 88
- Audiotechnica AT-15 SS MM 26 63 89
- Ortofon MC-2000 MK II MC 26 63 89
- Technics P-23 boron MM 26 63 89
- Nagaoka MP-500 MM 26 63 89
- Nagaoka MP-50 MM 26 63 89
- Denon DL-103 MC 26 63 89
- Denon DL-103LC MC 26 63 89
- Denon DL-103LC II MC 26 63 89
- Denon DL-103U MC 26 63 89
- Denon DL-305 MC 26 63 89
- Jasmine Turtle MC 26 63 89
- EMT TMD-65 MONO MC 26 63 89
- EMT TSD-25 MONO MC 26 63 89
- Coral MC-82 VDH MC 26 63 89
- Audiocraft AC-03 MC 26 63 89
- ADC MC 1.5 MC 26 63 89
- Dynavector 10 x 4 MC 27 62 89
- Dynavector 10 x 5 MC 27 62 89
- Sumiko BPS EVO III MC 29 60 89
- Supex SD-901 Super MC 27 62 89
- Dynavector 17D2 MKII MC 27 62 89
- Fidelity Research FR-7F MC 28 61 89
- Excel MC-100E MC 23 65 88
- Audiotechnica AT-160 ML MM 25 63 88
- Audiotechnica AT-170 MM 25 63 88
- Cello Limited MI 26 62 88
- Miyajima Kansui MC 25 63 88
- Hana EH MC 26 62 88
- Audiotechnica AT-8008 MM 24 64 88
- Audioqest AQ-909 MC 25 63 88
- ADC Integra MKIII MM 25 63 88
- Linn Asak MC 25 63 88
- Audiotechnica 150E MM 25 63 88
- Townshend EEI MCP555 MC 25 63 88
- Clearaudio Sigma MC 25 63 88
- Decca Super Gold MI 25 63 88
- AKG P-8 ES MI 26 62 88
- Boston MC 1E MC 26 62 88
- Audiotechnica ART 1 MC 26 62 88
- Audiotechnica ART 2000 MC 26 62 88
- Fidelity Research FR-45 MC 26 62 88
- Fidelity Research FR-44 MC 26 62 88
- Shure V15 VXMR MM 26 62 88
- Ortofon MC-2000 MC 26 62 88
- Ortofon MC-200MKII MC 26 62 88
- Denon DL-304 MC 26 62 88
- Ortofon Black MM 26 62 88
- Ortofon MC-10 Supreme MC 26 62 88
- Audiocraft AC-01 MC 26 62 88
- Accuphase AC-3 (Soundsmith) MC 27 61 88
- Van Den Hul MC-10 retipped MC 27 61 88
- Dynavector 10 x 2 MC 27 61 88
- Dynavector 10 x 3 MC 27 61 88
- Grado Platinum H MI 28 60 88
- Grado Platinum L MI 28 60 88
- Grado Sonata MI 28 60 88
- Sumiko Blue Point Special MC 29 59 88
- Audiotechnica AT-13EA MM 24 63 87
- Audiotechnica AT-6006 MM 24 63 87
- Ortofon MC-30 MC 24 63 87
- Technics EPC-300MC MC 24 63 87
- Linn K9 MM 25 62 87
- Adcom HC VDH II MC 25 62 87
- Ortofon Kontrapunkt B MC 25 62 87
- Ortofon Kontrapunkt A MC 25 62 87
- McIntosh MC-1000 MC 25 62 87
- Audioquest AQ-S100 MC 25 62 87
- Audiotechnica AT-125LC MM 25 62 87
- Audiotechnica AT-20 S MM 25 62 87
- Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood MM 26 62 88
- Clearaudio Virtuoso EbWood MM 26 62 88
- Audiotechnica AT-440 MLa MM 25 62 87
- Coral 777S MC 25 62 87
- Decca Maroon MI 25 62 87
- Van Den Hul MM-2 MM 26 61 87
- Denon DL-301 MC 26 61 87
- Denon DL-301 II MC 26 61 87
- Denon DL-300 MC 26 61 87
- Denon DL-302 MC 26 61 87
- Denon DL-303 MC 26 61 87
- Denon DL-110 MC 26 61 87
- Denon DL-160 MC 26 61 87
- Dynavector DV-20X MC 27 60 87
- Grace F-9L MM 26 61 87
- Grace F-9E MM 26 61 87
- Audiotechnica AT-OC9 MLII MC 26 61 87
- Phase Tech P-3 Alexandrite MC 26 61 87
- MY Sonic Lab Eminent MC 26 61 87
- Empire LTD 250 MM 26 61 87
- Empire LTD 250 MM 26 61 87
- Empire LTD 450 MM 26 61 87
- Empire LTD 750 MM 26 61 87
- Fidelity Research FR1-MKII MC 26 61 67
- Goldring 2500 MM 26 61 87
- Fidelity Research MC-201 MC 27 60 87
- Ortofon 1MC-20 Super MC 26 61 87
- Ortofon X3-MC MC 26 61 87
- Rotel RMC-7 MC 25 62 87
- Audiotechnica AT-3100 XE MM 24 62 86
- Audiotechnica At 32 MC 24 62 86
- Audiotechnica AT-32E MC 24 62 86
- AKG P-8 E MI 24 62 86
- Adcom XC MR MC 24 62 86
- AKG P-25 MD MI 24 62 86
- Goldring Eroica H MC 25 61 86
- Elac EMM-290 VDH MM 25 61 86
- Audioquest AQ-404B MC 25 61 86
- Audiotechnica AT-14E MM 25 61 86
- Audiotechnica AT-15E MM 25 61 86
- Audiotechnica AT-140 ML MM 25 61 86
- Audiotechnica AT-150 Ti MM 25 61 86
- Audiotechnica AT-23 MM 25 61 86
- Empire 1080LT MM 25 61 86
- Sony VL-32G MM 25 61 86
- Sumiko Andante FGV MM 25 61 86
- Technics 310 MC 25 61 86
- Van Den Hul MM-1 MM 26 60 86
- Elac EMC Van Den Hul MC 26 60 86
- Denon DL-80A MC 26 60 86
- Grace F-8E MM 26 60 86
- Audiotechnica AT-OC9 MC 26 60 86
- Audiotechnica AT-33PTG MC 26 60 86
- Audiotechnica AT-OC7 MC 26 60 86
- Audiotechnica AT-OC5 MC 26 60 86
- Benz Micro MC-20 MC 26 60 86
- Denon 103GL MC 26 60 86
- Kiseki Milltek MC 26 60 86
- Ortofon SPU-G MC 26 60 86
- Ortofon MC-10 MC 26 60 86
- Ortofon MC-20 MC 26 60 86
- Ortofon X1-MC MC 26 60 86
- Clearaudio Symphony MC 27 59 86
- AK Labs ES-30 MC 27 59 86
- GAS Sleeping Beauty S MC 27 59 86
- Goldring Eroica L MC 25 60 85
- Entre EC-1 MC 24 61 85
- Bang & Olufsen MMC-2 MI 24 61 85
- Audiotechnica AT-13E MM 24 61 85
- Audiotechnica AT-14EA MM 24 61 85
- Audiotechnica AT-30E MM 24 61 85
- Audiotechnica AT-450 E MM 24 61 85
- Audiotechnica ATP-1/2/3 MM 24 61 85
- Technics 205C- IX MM 25 60 85
- Grace F-9P MM 25 60 85
- Shure V15 II MM 25 60 85
- Shure V15 II MM 25 60 85
- Shure V15 IV MM 25 60 85
- Audiotechnica AT-13D MM 25 60 85
- Empire 2000E IV MM 25 60 85
- Empire 4000DT MM 25 60 85
- Audiotechnica AT-120 EG MM 25 60 85
- Audio Note IQ-2 MM 25 60 85
- Bang & Olufsen SP 10 MM 25 60 85
- Bang & Olufsen SP 12 MM 25 60 85
- Bang & Olufsen SP 15 MM 25 60 85
- Technics 205C- II MM 25 60 85
- Technics 205C- II L MM 25 60 85
- Ortofon HMC-30 MC 25 60 85
- Sumo Sumo II MC 25 60 85
- Goldbug Clement MC 25 60 85
- Goldbug Medusa MC 25 60 85
- Ortofon Sl-20 MC 25 59 84
- Clearaudio Classic Aurum Wood MM 27 58 85
- Monster Cable Alpha 1000 MKII MC 27 58 85
- ADC Super XLM MM 23 61 84
- Audiotechnica AT-3003 MM 24 60 84
- AKG P-10S MI 24 60 84
- AKG P-15 MD MI 24 60 84
- AKG P-6E MI 24 60 84
- Braun MC 1E MC 24 60 84
- Tonorel T-2001D MM 24 60 84
- Sony XL-33 MM 24 60 84
- Sony XL-44 MM 24 60 84
- Audiotechnica AT-10 MM 24 60 84
- Audiotechnica AT-100E MM 24 60 84
- Audiotechnica AT-11 MM 24 60 84
- Bang & Olufsen MMC-1 MI 24 60 84
- Audiotechnica AT-110 MM 24 60 84
- Ortofon Sl-15 MC 25 59 84
- Technics 207C- II MM 25 59 84
- Apature KOCE MC 26 58 84
- Sumiko Andante E MM 24 59 83
- Audioquest B100 MC 25 58 83
- Acutex 312 STR MM 25 58 83
- Audiotechnica AT-12E MM 24 58 82
- Adcom GFC MC 24 58 82
- Adcom XC LT MC 24 58 82
- Audioquest AQ-606 MC 25 57 82
- Arkam C77 MM 24 57 81
- Arkam E77 MM 24 57 81
- Fidelity Research MCX-5 MC 24 57 81
- Ortofon Red MM 26 55 81
- Sony VL-37G MM 26 54 80
- Win Labs SDT-10 MK2 SG 25 55 80
- Micro Acoustic MA-382 EC 25 55 80
- Ortofon Rondo Red MC 25 55 80
- Acutex 307 MM 25 55 80
- Acutex 310 MM 25 55 80
- ADC QLM36 MM 22 57 79
- Shure 92 MM 23 56 79
- Shure M3 MM 25 54 79
- ADC LMF-2 MM 22 56 78
- ADC 10 MM 22 56 78
- ADC QLM30 II MM 22 56 78
- ADC 220XE MM 23 55 78
- Shure M7 MM 24 54 78
- ADC 1 MM 22 55 77
- ADC K7 MM 22 55 77
- Decca Gold MI 25 52 77
- Empire 108 MM 25 52 77
- Victor MD-106 MM 22 54 76
- Technics U-25 MM 25 50 75
- ADC 660E MM 22 50 72
- Garrott P-66 MM 23 49 72
- Nagaoka NM-33S MM 22 49 71
- Rega Bias-2 MM 22 49 71
23 responses Add your response
There were few Yatra cartridges made by ZYX. Yatra, Yatra R Yatra R-100, Yatra R100 MK II Yatra Sb, Yatra Z and many others. Not to mention the Japanese/Asian markets models were different from US and Europa models by specs, colors and sound sometimes. R100 varieties has even more models include R100, Bloom, Fuji, Airy ets. |
Wow ! Very Impressive List, no matter what people Think (or) say. That's a lot of Brain & Leg work, My Friend. I'm a little confused on which one my Cart fell under ? My Cart is a ZYX R100 Yatra H-SB ? That's what the box says. L.O.L. In your gradings. There are TWO different ones. #91 is The ZYX YATRA. & # 131 is the ZYX R100 H . Which one is mine Under ? Both Have Good ratings, Just saying !! |
Your list and the time it took to compile lost any credibility when the cartridges you (admittedly) represent finished in the top spot, and other cartridges you represent finished in the top 9. In fact cartridges you represent accounted for 33% of the top 9 cartridges in your list. Digging deeper shows other inconsistencies. Cartridges that have proven the test of time, have numerous reviews from highly credible individuals rate at the same level as others known to sound mediocre. In many cases derivations of the same cartridges are deemed to sound identical, yet most do sound different in reality. No mention is made of specific partnering equipment, other than tonearm type(s) and gross cost. Tube or SS ? What kind of phono stages ? Was time taken to match compliance to effective mass ? Was time taken to match cables to cartridges for capacitance ? Was alignment performed by eye and steady hand, or were electrical and visual aids used ? Ascribing so much value to appearance as it affects resale value, and to resale value as an absolute begs the question of whether the author knows the "price of everything and value of nothing"? Impressive "looking" list, that is all but worthless to anyone who has more than a passing interest in determining how different cartridges sound relative to each other. |
to winnardt The Malachite Gold is the 2020 model that will sell in Europe and USA from January 1st.2020 That is not our top model, but it sounds the best and beats even Mammoth at some point. The Mammoth review is at Positive Feedback latest upgrade. The re-view done by Bob Levi- one of the most respectful analog specialist in the world. Please check: https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/aidas-mammoth-gold-phono-cartridge/ |
Because I care about price as one factor in measuring value, I did an Internet search for Aidas Malachite Gold to try to find how much one would cost. Couldn't find anything by Aidas named Malachite Gold, including in their historical models. Are you sure you have the name of your highest rated cartridge correct or am I just not finding anything? |
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@chakster Thanks, your post now shines some light onto the OP's motivation. I agree with what you say 100%. Particularly the point about the danger to a 'newbie' that could entice them to make a decision that is incorrect for their listening preferences. This thread seems to be only benefiting the OP and his own agenda. |
Grg, the problem here is that sonic grade is purely subjective and it depends on the associated equipment. When it comes to cartridges we are all on our own. We can read reviews and try to get an idea from other people we trust but you will never know for sure what you are getting till you hook it up and have a listen. Once you listen to it in your system you own it. You may be a nice guy with huge amounts of experience when it comes to cartridges but I am not about to trust your opinion when it comes to what a cartridge sounds like. Putting your cartridge at the top is quite the tell. Personally, I am sick and tired of humans trying to sell me stuff. I am perfectly capable of making my own mistakes. |
I have the same Ruby/Koetsu problem so yeah, good call. To be fair though it might not be bias, or even differing preferences, but merely the passage of time. I mean I have a pretty good idea how I would rank the various components I have had over the same number of years. But its 4 amps, 3 cartridges, 2 speakers, 2 arms, etc. To try and do that with hundreds, no way. |
Yet another nonsense that only the OP can use for himself. It's like reading a notes made by someone for himself with the only difference that OP is a professional dealer specialized in second hand cartridges from japan, someone who purchased from him can comment about his grading when it comes to condition of his used cartridges (always stated 200hrs of use for all of them on audiogon when the real time of use is absolutely unknown since they are coming from unknown Japanese sellers mostly with no time to test them properly, because after inspection some of them appeared to be worn, but the OP's target is quick sell for low price, this is all about business). I bought some and i remember that his reference was his guide with those digits, some carts were worn out, some ended with one channel malfunction, some were just an average cartridges i would never buy again, some of them still working. But what i've learned over the years is that no one can tell you what's the best, most of the time other people reference standard is not my reference. So lists like that is nothing but a nonsense, sorry. A cartridge comparison must be done correctly and if someone is doing it then he must do that slowly, no rush, and not biased by re-selling some of them. Also it's important to test at least 2-3 samples of the same cartridge if they are vintage. It's time consuming, especially with 497 cartridges. Again, this system might be fine for the dealer to make notes for himself, but it has nothing to do with reality i believe. Also such "grading" can only confuse some people and they will go to the wrong pass. We've seen it before a few times with tons of rubbish cartridges in his strange notes. Now we see his own cartridge (Aidas) on top of the list, sure, fair test, no doubt, lol. It is more about the ego (imo). I would prefer to read about cartridge testing not from the dealer, manufacturer or professional re-seller and i would prefer to see a proper A/B test with much lower quantity and more time for listening each cartridge with some good music from a person with "fresh ears", good taste and proper hearing abilities (younger age). I know we're all selling our spares or just selling some gear, but it's our own cartridges/gear that we know very well. It's not a bunch of 800 cartridges purchased for quick re-sell after notes made, this is a business model. In our hobby all we need is TIME and PASSION |
daveyf, I don't know how much more clearer I could be. This is my PERSONAL guide for my PERSONAL reference only. I didn't make it to please you or anyone else. I don't sell this information. My clients asking for this all the time. I can answer each personally or make the list. I make 30-100 transactions each month. You can calculate how many I've done over last 20 years. I started this list 12 years ago. This list based not on assumptions, but physically having these cartridges and playing these multiple times. The last question I answer: My personal sonic admire is the number second to the right in each line. And please cancel this dispute. You don't like it- then it's not for you. End. |
@grgaudio When I hear the word technical, it means to me something to do with the science of the design. Not the desirability of the piece in question. The used market for any gear at the moment seems to be a ’buyer’s market’. I have no idea as to why this is the case, but that is my experience along with others who I am in contact with, who also are involved in selling. Therefore, maybe you might consider changing the word ’technical’ in your above result to ’used desirability’ or ’used market popularity’. That appears to be what you are basing the result upon. ( which, BTW, seems to me to be highly subjective, but that’s just IMHO). Still not sure where you come up with the results as to the desirability...for instance, I would take my old used Ruby 2 in a heart beat over the much higher rated used Mark Levinson Rose Petal, as an example. I can’t talk for others here, but unless you are not using your ears and are in the market just to collect for rarity purposes...nothing else makes sense. Plus, that is just one example of many on your list. Your 'sonic grade' is based on what?...what you personally admire in the sonic departments that you mentioned... again, purely subjective on your behalf. Like I stated before, I think it must have taken you a ton of time to compile this list ( which I believe is full of assumptions and errors)...I just fail to see the value in it. |
to daveyf, It took average 1 cartridge per week to record this observation for 12 years. Maybe 1 minute a week or so. Get the calculator and check. This is my personal guide when buying and selling cartridges. Don't make any other assumptions. I know if I have trade in old $300 Grado Platinum, I can easy sell it later for $150 that is roughly 50% of original cost. Your old $4000 Benz Ruby 2 will be good sell if you get 25% for it in any condition. As far as I remember you had hard time to sell yours Ruby-2 at $800 just few month ago.. it is strictly about re-sale technical grade. Please read what's written including explanation. If you don't like my technical grading or sonic grading- you can offer your own. May be it will be based on color, material, price or something else. Audiogon welcomes any ideas that based on experience. My bias is ranked from 1 to 500 if that's what you mean to say. Also being biased I would make no sense by buying #415 GAS Sleeping Beauty in any quantity ahead of single #7 Symphonic Line RG-8L ; based on fact that I can sell GAS with turbo speed and need to wait years to find a single buyer for RG-8L |
Good grief, that must have taken a lot of time to write up!! However, I think your grading of a lot of the cartridges mentioned is total rubbish. For instance, you place the Benz Ruby 2 ahead of a lot of cartridges that easily outshine it in any number of parameters...and I used to own a Ruby 2 for many years. Additionally, your tech spec makes no sense as well, the idea that a newly designed Lyra with the latest angle technology is behind a decades old motor that hasn’t been revised in the same amount of time also makes no sense. You sure these results are not just your bias talking...;0) |
Thanks for this listing, Victor! Very informative. But I must say I don’t always understand the ranking. To put Denon DL-103 on the same level as Audiocraft AC-03 and Fidelity Research FR-7f is curious to say the least. The Denon 103 is by far the worst cartridge I’ve ever owned (and quickly sold) and much inferior to these other two. I know you must have assessed Sato Musen Zen Diamond, but I didn’t find it on the list. Where would it sit in this ranking? Just curious, as I’m expecting its delivery 😉 Happy holidays! |