2. analog
  3. 159622-93199

I underestimated the impact a new cartridge would have

Many in the community learned long ago to not forget how important the cartridge is in the overall musical presentation.  I am not saying I thought it didn't matter, but I was very pleasantly shocked in my recent upgrade.  With anything in life there is the law of diminishing returns.  As a frugal audiophile who primarily purchases used equipment I am looking for that sweet spot to put the brakes on for upgrades.  With all the extra time lately to enjoy the stereo I have really been investing in upgrades.  My table is the Rega RP6.  I am very happy with this table but was ready to try a new cartridge.  I have only had used cartridges for my 15 year vinyl life.  The original MM on my first table, an 80's model Planar 2.  I bought the RP6 used so the Exact 2 was original and used.  I later picked up a used Sumiko Blue Point #2.  This was a somewhat lateral move....sounded nice but didn't impress that much.  Later I took a chance on a Goldring Eroica LX that had the Soundsmith sapphire retip service.  This was a significant upgrade over the Blue Point.  I had that for about 3 years.  Our good friend on here, Kron's amazing deals had me very excited to make a move.  One of my audiophile friends recommended the BENZ so I picked up the SM as I have a tube phono stage.  Right out of the box it blew me away!  The soundstage became 3-dimensional.  The lead vocalists all took a step forward and the voices are so precise.  The overall soundstage is more detailed with all instruments and backup vocalists  more precise.  The overall dynamics of the sound improved across all frequencies.  It was by FAR the best $800 I have ever spent on my system.  I have considered buying another one just to store away as I will likely need it one day.  Of course it also makes me wonder is there something even better???  Of course there is, but finding it is the challenge.  No idea if this cartridge offers this result in any system or if it just happens to like ARC tube gear.  Regardless....my point of this thread is to encourage vinyl lovers that have an old cartridge that has kind of been forgotten, to do some research and consider an upgrade.  Happy listening!
Dana
dhite71

Showing 1 response by chakster

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chakster
6,144 posts
 
I started out in the 1960s and ’70s with MM cartridges including a top of the line Shure V-15


@kayleerex1

V15 wasn’t even a top of the line from Shure :)

Top of the line is Shure ULTRA 500 Series

..........

To all "specialists" this thread: 

People often compare a mediocre MM to some MC and for some reason they think they are done with MM, but they did not even try a decent MM.

Try the Audio-Technica AT-ML180 OCC (MM) and I bet nearly all your MC will be outperformed by that monster. 

On the other hand, some people prefer high frequency exaggeration and overall sound coloration associated with mediocre MC cartridges. Not to mention that after refurbishing process with different parts they goes far away from the original sound. 

And finally, there are exceptionally great MC, MM and MI cartridges. But to judge about MM/MI versus MC each one must buy and try many of them using best examples in each category. 

If you prefer a mediocre MC to some MM then most likely your MM is a junk. 

The situation can be totally different once you will find some of the best MM (not the most expensive) and will compare them to some very expensive MC. 





  

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