2. analog
  3. 137273-89202

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 8 responses by rvpiano

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,744 posts
 
yogiboy,

Good question.
 It’s just that I’ve heard CDs on his system that we’re not that impressive.
And since our turntables are similar, I thought that the cartridge was the variable that is responsible for the improvement.
I could be very wrong, though.
What does SUT stand for?
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,744 posts
 
Thanks yogiboy for the info! 
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,744 posts
 
Orpheus10,

My listening is mainly classical, and I know Grado usually works well, but unfortunately it does lack the definition I heard.
How do you audition cartridges in your system?
Who’s going to lend you one?
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,744 posts
 
I understand the gain on my Conrad-Johnson’s phono section is 47dB.
Is that strong enough to efficiently run an MC cart such as the Ania (3.5uV?)
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,744 posts
 

Can anyone suggest an alternate cartridge to the Sonata that is more detailed, yet good for classical? It can be a MC with transformer or any other type of cartridge in the $600-$800 range.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,744 posts
 
Stevecham,

Thanks for the recommendations!
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,744 posts
 
I wrote to Conrad-Johnson regarding the feasibility of matching my PV 11 preamp with the Ania cartridge.  The response was as follows:

”Yes, 3.5 uV output would be sufficient to run PV-11.”

I don’t know how accurate that answer is though.

rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,744 posts
 
yogiboy,

On another forum, posters have corroborated your view.
Conrad-Johnson’s rep is obviously wrong.
More to discover