2. analog
  3. 185401-120160

MM or MI Cartridge?

Currently using an SPU Royal N with a Viv Labs 9" and Kuzma Stabi R, and I am looking for a great Moving Magnet or Moving Iron Cartridge that I won't feel short changed by.

A couple of options I am looking at are the Grado Reference "The Reference" Wood 2 and the Audio Note IQ3, has anyone had the opportunity to compare these cartridges, and any other options I should consider that you have heard against either of these cartridges?

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Showing 2 responses by mijostyn

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,224 posts
 

I went through that phase just recently. I have owned Grados and Clearaudios, but the best so far overall was the Soundsmith Voice. It punches way above it's price point with exceptional tracking and remarkable neutrality. I gave it to a friend for his birthday and he greatly prefers it to his old Spectral (really a Lyra) cartridge. My current phono stage will not handle a high output cartridge.

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,224 posts
 

@jasonbourne71 

I auditioned the Soundsmith Strain Gauge for over two hours at Soundsmith's music room. It requires its own power supply/phono stage and will not plug directly into a line level input. It is a very dramatic cartridge leaning heavily on the bright side. It will also not handle the highest groove velocities. Were I to get another Soundsmith I would opt for the Hyperion which like the Voice is very neutral and an amazing tracker.

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