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Looking for a new phon cartridge

I have a J Sikora Initial Max Turntable with a J Sikora tonearm.  My phono stage is a Sutherland Dual.  My amp and preamp are PrimaLuna 400s.  I also have Devore Gibbon X speakers.

I am looking to replace my Hana Umami Blue cartridge which has worn out.  While I enjoyed the Umami, I found it to be a little too "hot" at times.  

I am looking for a cartridge that emphasizes natural sound over extreme detail.  My price range is under $3000.

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

walt8489
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mwh777
92 posts
 

Sumiko Celebration 40.

kennyc
1,523 posts
 

+1 Koetsu Rosewood

maybe Grado 

dwette
174 posts
 

@noromance @kennyc 

Any Koetsu will have to be NOS or used. The builder died and the company closed operations.

kennyc
1,523 posts
 

Yes, retipping a Koetsu may be a challenge. Luckily, my Rosewood SigPlat and Coralstone D have very low hours.

lewm
13,107 posts
 

I have a 14 year old Urushi.  Last year I had it re-tipped by Expert Stylus in the UK. I had them replace only the stylus tip, not the cantilever.  They were very professional. The whole transaction start to finish took less than 3 weeks, round trip to the East coast US. The cost was reasonable. One always has to question one's aural memory, but to me the Urushi now sounds better than ever and certainly better than it did prior to re-tipping. I can highly recommend their services, and I would not hesitate to own another Koetsu that needed similar attention. So in my opinion, there is no need to fear owning a Koetsu now that there is no factory.

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