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New Cart? Best all around performer...MM or HO

Thinking about a new cart, while putting the system through some changes. I'm looking for a good all round performer. I listen to a variety of music. Mainly Alt-Co, Rock, Acoustic, and Jazz.

Running an MMF-5 with Slee Era Gold. I would like a good warmth, but with detail (I'd imagine that about any cart would be steps above the 1012gx in there now).

I'm wanting to spend up to about 700 or so. I've seen some CA Maestro's at that range on here before. Also, thinking about some Dyna's, Virtuoso Wood, Beta Aurum S. Or, how is the goldring S stylus...it's a perfect fit, just a stylus replacement, and said to be better.

I've read the beta aurum s is good for rock and jazz. Any other input, I'd appreciate it greatly.
pablo16

Showing 2 responses by johnnyb53

johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
I have no direct experience, but based on reviews and comparisons to what I *do* know, I nominate the Sumiko Blackbird. Actually, the BPS EVO III would probably do the trick unless you want another nth of detail.

I have the entry-point for an HOMC, the Denon DL-160, and it's excellent and very involving in all the music types you mentioned. I'm a big fan of jazz and classical, but that cart draws me in effortlessly in acoustic music such as Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor, CSNY, and Emmylou Harris.

Those who've heard or owned the both the Denon and the Sumiko HOMCs (e.g., Ferrari) report similar sonic characteristics but with more detail coming from the more expensive Sumikos.

Here are excerpts from a Blackbird review from the Audiophile Voice.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
The better (from AT440MLa on up) Audio Technica cartridges are a bit of a bargain from a stylus standpoint, as the 440MLa, AT150, and OC9 all use a MicroLine stylus which--because of where it sits in the groove--is both quieter and extracts more detail than a typical elliptical, and is evidently quieter on used and worn records than a Fritz-Geiger (according to the test/review in the May/June issue of $ensibleSound.
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