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Need New MM Cartridge Recommendation

Hello All!

I need a recommendation on a new moving magnet phono cartridge. 

Here's my system:

Roksan Radius 5 (I think MK1 or 2) turntable 
Creek Evolution 100A integrated amplifier with Creek Sequel MM board
PSB Imagine T2 loudspeakers 

The Roksan came with a Roksan Corus Black MM cartridge, which was likely a Goldring manufactured cart.  It was great!  The stylus broke off after about 8 years use. 

I was wondering about the following but am open to all recommendations: 

Clearaudio Maestro (yikes! It's $1200)
Ortofon 2m Black
Goldring carts similar to Corus
Audio Technica AT150MLX

Any insight and recommendations will be super appreciated!

PS:   Sequel 40 mk2 MM Phono pre-amp is the device specifically suited for most types of Moving Magnet cartridges, with an output between 3.5 to 5mV and a matching impedance of 47k Ohms.
jbhiller

Showing 4 responses by inna

inna
7,867 posts
 
I use Goldring 1042 with Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm and Acoustech phono. When choosing I didn't want to go with any MC under $1k, nor did I want Ortofon or Audiotechnica for sounding thin and bright in some set-ups, or mid-range Grado that could be veiled and unbalanced.
I also considered two more expensive alternatives - Soundsmith Carmen and Audio Note IQ, the latter being upscale Goldring, I think.
I might upgrade to either of them later or to higher level Soundsmith or even Lyra Delos. US prices are often higher or much higher. I got the Goldring from the UK for $375 including shipping.
It sounds excellent with Nottingham, great for the money, I would say.
inna
7,867 posts
 
Just because some choices are more popular doesn't mean that they are better. There are herd instinct issues, prestige considerations and other kinds of bullshit. There are also people whose hearing is not so good.
Trust the British tables fan - forget those Dynas, Ortos and ATs, that's money waist. Goldring 1042 or Soundsmith Carmen or higher. Or even better choice - have your cartridge fixed by Soundsmith and upgrade only when you are ready to upgrade your phono stage as well. Cartridge should be good enough. but it is the least significant element in analog set-up.
inna
7,867 posts
 
Much better. Well, it might be more refined than Goldring 1042. Still almost double the price without being sure. Choosing cartridge is not easy.
inna
7,867 posts
 
Nagaoka 500 is a $1000 cartridge, should also be a very good even if expensive choice.
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