Highest detail cartridges

I'm currently using what started out os a Lyra Clavis DC but was recently refitted with a Boron cantilever and line contact stylus.  Still in breakin.  Kept the detail (maybe improved it) but definitely improved the sonics.   

I'm just looking for options since I have no idea how long the {formerly] Lyra will last.  ART7 and ART9 definitely on my short list.  I've read some interesting comments about the Suondsmith Zephyr MIMC Star (probably my budget limit).  Would like to consider a Lyra Delos, but need to get a deal I can't refuse.  

@amg56 - Absolutely.  It stands to reason that EVERY component in the chain from the table / arm / cartridge through the speakers has to be capable processing that detail and moving it to the listener's ears.

@bifwynne   A member of Audiogon I trust has reviewed the Zephyr MIMC Star and Orto Quintet Black.  Here is the post:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/3-cartridges-reviewed

HTH.

@chakster Many audio products have that kind of frequency.  It's just that they are down significantly at the extremes.

@bifwynne Let me know if you decide to retire the Kleo.  I'll be happy to liberate it.   ;-)    

@jcarr   +2

@chakster   What is "closer to the music" except distortion and coloration that you find particularly pleasing?  Is "closer to the music" a more accurate reproduction of what is in the groove or a "romantic" rewrite?

@viridian I listen to 99%+ classical music.  Instrument timbre can expose the accuracy of the recording.  And I've been a part of blind listening sessions that used two components that were identical except for a 3 millibel difference in frequency response.  The same component could be consistently identified during the tests.  

I prefer components with a vanishingly low amount of distortion to any distortion including even order distortion.  It is why I use one particular electronics manufacturer.

@bimasta - How can you tell?  Maybe it is just a mediocre performance.  I prefer accuracy over distortion.

@viridian   No apologize necessary.  My opinion....

I am, unfortunately, very sensitive to timbre particularly in cellos, double reeds and violins.  Yes, there are variations in some equipment used to record the instruments, but in my opinion less so than in cartridges and arms. 

In my system, cartridge anomalies, arm resonances, tube warmth, and similar often appear in my system as "bloom" at various frequencies that distorts instrumental timbre.  Some listeners like that distortion and call it "musical" or other descriptions that are used to rationalize distortion.

@atmasphere +1  though I have heard some significant differences in cartridges even with the most careful set-up I can provide.  I'm currently using a Lyra Clavis DC with a new cantilever and stylus (from Soundsmith) that is outperforming its predecessor OC9/II.  Everything downstream is the same.  After hearing the rebuilt Lyra with all the additional detail, I became interested in other carts that might provide as good or better detail.  Since that time, I have decided to just stick with the Clavis DC as long as it will work to its current level.

I agree that some less expensive cartridges can provide superb performances, and also that careful setup and arm matching is critical.  

@viridian Thank you.  I think I have found a cartridge that is meet, or at least is very close, to my wants.  Getting close to completing breakin on a Clavis Da Capo that Soundsmith "rebuilt" with a Boron Cantilever and a Soundsmith line contact stylus.  The warts of typical of a Clavis DC are missing but the transparency, details, soundstage and imaging are there.  Instruments are clean without induced bloom or edgeyness.   No zingy strings, no blooming cello or harp.

@chakster 

2048??  Yikes.  I hope I make it that long but doubt I would remember which way the table rotates by then, much less be able to see well enough or stop the shakes to cue an arm.   ;-)