I have owned the Purple Heart and currently have an Windfeld Ti. They are very different presentations and I am not sure how one would replace the other well. The Windfeld Ti has many excellent attributes and is slightly warmer than some of the other Ortofons, but I personally could not have it as my only option. I originally had the two simultaneously and the Purple Heart, still performing well in a close friends system, was actually replaced by a Miyajima Madake. The Miyajima provides the warmth of the Purple Heart along with appropriately increased detail and soundstage depth. Other Miyajima cartridges may be something to consider in your search.
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?
- Ortofon Windfield TI
- Audio Technica 1000
- Dynavector XV-1S
- Clearaudio Stradivari v2
- Lyra Kleos (both regular and super low output)
- Hana Umami Red
My system is all tube (pre, power, phono pre(s)) and horn speakers (Cornwall IV).