2. analog
  3. 186490-165082

Need some help picking my first MC Cartridge

I have recently purchased an Icon PS1 Mk II tube Phono Preamp. and was thinking of purchasing a seperate MC cartridge and head to interchange with my Nagoaka MP 300 MM cartridge, which I am very happy with. This is my first MC Cartridge so this is more of a chance to compare MC versus MM Cartridges. Some suggestions have been Denon 103 or the Hana Red, The Icon Preamp has a fixed MC load setting of 100 ohms. The Sansui SR 525 Direct Drive Turntable that I will be using has an interchangeable cartridge head, so VTA height, tracking weight, anti-skating adjustments may be required for each cartridge but should not take more than 20 minutes to adjust. I have read that some low output cartridges may be preferable to high output, but I am not sure how this matches up with the Icon Preamp. I am a little in the weeds here with the technical information when it comes to cartridges so be gentle.

My listening preference is more to the musical / warm vinyl side. Gear: Tube preamp, Class "A" amp , alternating with a tube Integrated, Wilson Benesch Square 2 Speakers, Rel Subs (x2). I split my listening about 50/50 Vinyl/Digital.

My Budget is up to $1500.00

128x128pooch2

Showing 3 responses by pooch2

pooch2's avatar
pooch2 OP
74 posts
 

Thanks for all the input and suggestions. Lots of options to consider.

Icon Audio PSI MKII Preamp. Other Info on the Preamp: (Sensitivity - 0.5 mv MC),  (Gain - 3000 MC/69db), (Load MC - 100 ohms).

pooch2's avatar
pooch2 OP
74 posts
 

I had a chance to research most of the excellent recommendations including: the Denon 103 and variants, Lyra Delos which sounds very good, Various Dynovector options, Audio Technica Art9, Benz Micro Glider SL and a few others. I will add the Goldring Eroica LX to my research list. Most are very good options and have given me a short list of options to pursue in the future. Some are over my budget for this first MC but look very interesting for future investments. 

I am glad to have decided to make a further investment in my Vinyl musical option, I was sitting on the fence for a while, trying to decide whether to sell my Vinyl and concentrate on my digital side or to make further investment into my analogue side of the musical equation. So here we go down the rabbit hole once more!

First the new (to me) tube Phono Preamp, now I have decided to try the HANA ML, which was recommended by a number of folks here and by other I trust as my first MC Cartridge. It is at the top of my budget (a little bit over) and I feel confident the Sansui SR 525 can get the most from it, although .... a turntable upgrade may be next!

Many thanks to all the information and advise received.

pooch2's avatar
pooch2 OP
74 posts
 

Update: I have the Hana ML installed and, I must say, I'm very happy with the results! Although early days, I have enjoyed the relaxed presentation and clarity of this MC cartridge. I have also decided to upgrade my MM Cartridge to the Nagoaka MP-500 as I have been extremely happy with the MP-300, and stylus replacements are available for these. Thanks to all for their input!

More to discover