Because you can't try all these cartridges in YOUR system you are always flipping the coin. The very first consideration is, how much can you afford to spend. Then you make a list of all the cartridges in your price range and start doing some research. Delete the cartridges with plain aluminum cantilevers and older stylus profiles. Go with modern tapered aluminum, boron or sapphire cantilevers and fine line styluses. A good example of a great cartridge for the money is the Goldring 2042. IMHO you are better off with a high output cartridge in this price range than a cheap moving coil cartridge. It also makes sense to stay away from the cottage manufacturers and stick to the larger established ones like Ortofon, Goldring, Clearaudio, My Sonic, Lyra and others. I personally think you should push it and get a Lyra Delos. The sweet spot in the Soundsmith line is The Voice.
How to choose a cartridge?
Aside from compliance, and whether one has enough gain and loading options, how does one choose a cartirdge?
There are a few shops that have one or two brands, and other shops that have other brands… etc.
It is a either visiting a lot of shops, or using some other method.
I have seen a few plots of response and 2nd, 3rd harmonics for a limited number of carts.
The other method is scouring the reviews and digest the colourful wording used to describe the carts.
As an example I am considering:
- SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC Star
- AT ART9xi
- Benz Micro LP S
- Hana ML
- and some others…
Does one just flip a coin?