Dana, that is the hook, the thought that there is something better. How do you know what you are getting? At best it is an educated crap shoot as in your case you took your friends advice.
What is the most accurate cartridge and what is the best sounding one are two very different issues.
I have 24/192 downloads and vinyl of the same material. I'll match volumes and compare. The Clearaudio Da Vinci and Ortofon Windfeld Ti sound almost identical to the download. The Da Vinci is perhaps a bit more dynamic and a tad brighter than the Ortofon. The Clearaudio Charisma which I just purchased is obviously darker, larger and a lot more dynamic than the files. I think it is safe to say the Da Vinci and Windfeld Ti are more accurate but boy when it comes to rock the Charisma is so endearing. When you listen to it doing The Red Hot Chili Peppers who cares if it is accurate or not.
Now you have an additional problem when you start liking different cartridges for different music. Two Tonearms? Two Turntables? Two phono amps? Are you going to change cartridges every time you switch genres?
My best advice unless you are filthy rich is, ignorance is bliss. Enjoy your Benz and stay where you are until it shows signs of wear then do your educated crap shoot again.
What is the most accurate cartridge and what is the best sounding one are two very different issues.
I have 24/192 downloads and vinyl of the same material. I'll match volumes and compare. The Clearaudio Da Vinci and Ortofon Windfeld Ti sound almost identical to the download. The Da Vinci is perhaps a bit more dynamic and a tad brighter than the Ortofon. The Clearaudio Charisma which I just purchased is obviously darker, larger and a lot more dynamic than the files. I think it is safe to say the Da Vinci and Windfeld Ti are more accurate but boy when it comes to rock the Charisma is so endearing. When you listen to it doing The Red Hot Chili Peppers who cares if it is accurate or not.
Now you have an additional problem when you start liking different cartridges for different music. Two Tonearms? Two Turntables? Two phono amps? Are you going to change cartridges every time you switch genres?
My best advice unless you are filthy rich is, ignorance is bliss. Enjoy your Benz and stay where you are until it shows signs of wear then do your educated crap shoot again.