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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
ricco275's avatar
ricco275
97 posts
 

As a user, I can strongly recommend the Soundsmith Aida mk2. Amazing value for the money. A second hand with few hours of listening can have an even better value! I had to spend three times its price to find significantly better (to me) MC cartridge. 

neonknight OP
430 posts
 

Well I found my solution. A HO Benz Micro Glider. The newer generation cartridge is lovely. Sweet midband, a top end that is well balanced and not zingy in any way. Nice dynamic contrasts, and very nice spatial presentation. A very easy cartridge to listen to that is well balanced. works nicely with the onboard phono stage in the Trinnov preamp. Meets my needs for a casual listening cartridge and surpasses my expectations of what I would get. 

If I had a need for a higher performance cartridge I would have a look at their upper tier offerings. I bet the LPS would be a fine cartridge. 

dogberry
775 posts
 

I'm glad you are happy, and trust that it will continue.

(I have an LP-S, and it sits in its box as my Decca and Soundsmith cartridges deserve their places far more on my tonearms. But that's my ear and my system, which are undoubtedly different to yours!)

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