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High Performance Moving Iron Cartridge Candidates?

I have decided to simplify my analog set up a bit. removed the fussy cartridges and SUT's, and am down to one external phono stage, and the internal one in my Trinov preamp. 

 

The Trinov preamp is MM only, and I don;t want to use a step up or headamp with it. So that means high output moving coil or a MM type cartridge. 

I read on these boards that a MI cartridge can have lower moving mass than a moving coil I would like to experiment. 

What are the viable candidates these days? I imagine most vintage ones do not have OEM styli available still. The Soundsmith ones are interesting, but get very spendy. This is meant to be a casual cartridge for me, but I will spend some money on it. Just not Air Tight or Koetsu money.  

What are other choices? Not typically fond of Grado I heard in the past. Otherwise I think Nagaoka is the only other one I know of?

neonknight

Showing 2 responses by nrenter

nrenter's avatar
nrenter
768 posts
 

As casually mentioned above, a Soundsmith cartridge can be rebuilt to as-new status for a small fraction of the entry fee. I’ve had mine for over 10 years. Rebuilt once. Sent in a second time and it was returned with a note stating all it required was a good internal cleaning. When it comes to higher end cartridges (that have a useful lifespan) I want to use it freely without financial worry. 
 

Even better, find yourself a bargain on a used Soundsmith cartridge and pay the fractional fee to have it rebuilt to as-new status.
 

The Voice is a great option. Don’t rule out the Aida. I have no desire to upgrade. 

nrenter's avatar
nrenter
768 posts
 

You don’t have to worry about the longevity of SoundSmith. 
 

Their heritage doesn’t really matter. They make really good sounding products. 
 

Here’s why…

https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/fixed-coil-vs-moving-coil-why-make-jump-different-technology

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