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Next MC Cartridge Advice/Recommendations

Hello All, 

I'm currently running a Kiseki Purpleheart on a Technics 1200 GAE turntable. I have two separate phono preamp options (Manley Chinook and Doge Clarity).  

The Kiseki is running fine but is arguably racking up the hours.  My system is really pleasing with vinyl so I put some real mileage on the Kiseki Purpleheart during the pandemic!  I lent my backup (Audio Technica ART9) to a friend who broke it.  Needless to say, I want to get my next cart in the house before the Purpleheart gives up on me. :)

I really love the balance of smooth v. detail on the Purpleheart.  At times it reminds me of reel-to-reel.  It is on the warmer side of things and can sound lush. 

Any advice on the following cartridges?  Have you heard any and what have you compared them to?  

  1. Ortofon Windfield TI
  2. Audio Technica 1000
  3. Dynavector XV-1S
  4. Clearaudio Stradivari v2
  5. Lyra Kleos (both regular and super low output)
  6. Hana Umami Red

My system is all tube (pre, power, phono pre(s)) and horn speakers (Cornwall IV). 

jbhiller

Showing 1 response by artemus_5

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,996 posts
 

+1 @lewm & @rauliruegas

I owned the benz Ebony L which I believe is a tier down from the LPS. It was very good, IMO. Smooth warm detailed presentation  I got the itch and replaced it with a Zyx 4D. Even better than the Ebony L. It just dug out more info from the grooves. I believe better dynamics too. I would not call the Zyx necessarily warm but certainly not cold or analytical either. Mind you, the differences were not night & day but enough to notice readily. SoraSound usually has them for $3495 (maybe a demo. Don’t remember)

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