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Grado Sonata Cartridge vs. Rega Ania

I recently listened to a friend’s new Rega P6 turntable/cartridge setup with the Rega Ania MC cartridge.
I was blown away by it’s definition compared to my setup. I use the Grado Sonata cartridge with a significantly modified RP3 Rega turntable, now roughly comparable to the P6.
Has anyone had any experience with the Ania cartridge? I’m seriously considering changing from my Grado MM to it after hearing my friends set. It’s output is 3.5 uV, compared to my 5.0 uV. I’m wondering if that’s too significant a drop in output.
I love the Grado, but I just don’t think it has the definition of the Rega.
Or, can someone suggest another excellent cartridge in the $800 price range?
rvpiano

Showing 4 responses by orpheus10

orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

I recall when Corey Greenberg reviewed for Stereophile, and he was such a cost conscious reviewer, that I bought everything he reviewed that I needed. I have 3 preamps still working, that I bought from that time which he gave good reviews of.

When he gave a cartridge a top recommendation, I didn't hesitate to buy it; didn't like it. That's when I realized how our tastes differed in music; that made all the difference in the world.

You may think others hear what you hear, but it ain't necessarily so because there are far too many variables, taste in music is just one of them.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
That voltage is too low for the PV-11.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

Right now I have a Grado Master, which is a shade better than the Sonata. I had the Sonata and upgraded, maybe I'm now comparing what I'm hearing to the Sonata, but I'm very satisfied.

Most people on this forum don't seem to like Grado, and that has to be because of their choice in music, and what they expect a cartridge to deliver.

In regard to brands, I don't like really high definition cartridges; they seem to bypass the music. Of course that's within a price boundary, more expensive cartridges do both.

Raul, if you can find his thread, gives advice on how to buy and audition used cartridges.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

There is so much dependent on the music you like and what in music you listen for that determines which cartridge is best for you; therefore, it's not being objective when you blame the cartridge; especially when speaking of a high quality cartridge like the "Grado Sonata" that captures the soul of female vocalists.

Grado cartridges are not conducive to the music preferred on this forum for the most part, that's why they get such a bad rap here. The solution is to find a cartridge conducive to your music.

There are still too many variables to answer your question, but it's for certain that you should audition as many other cartridges as possible.
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