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Phono cartridge choice

Well, I think that I already have my mind made up but, I decided to see what the forum would say. The objective is to get a third cartridge to use in rotation on a Jelco SA-250S tonearm (removeable headshell) on a partially upgraded 1980s Linn LP12. The upgrades on the Linn are for increased rigidity (corian sub-chassis, corian arm board and a DIY 1/8" thick aluminum bottom plate. The two carts already on hand are a Hana SH MKII and a Nagaoka MP-200. The Hana will be on a Yamamoto Ebony Headshell. The MP-200 will be on a Jelco metal headshell. The third cart being considered is the Sumiko Songbird HO. It can go on either a Jelco or a Yamamoto ebony headshell (leaning toward the Yamamoto) The tuning of the system is much more for "musicality" than for analtical presentation. I want more ease and flow to the sound. Tube peamp, tube phono stage and tube amp.Thoughts? (sorry Audio Technica fans but, I wiil have to pass on AT carts)

mwh777
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,552 posts
 

I owned a MP-200 and listened to it for many months,very nice music on my REGA P3, I also had a Clear Audio Maestro Ebony v2 on a Project Xtension 10. Honestly though, MM's dont work well for me (to warm and velvety) so I am a MC guy I finally realized, I love the Dynavector 10X5 and the 20x2L, The 10X5 on a REGA table is a really nice combo of dynamics and punch and lively sound. The 20x2 is way more refined and ive been using it on a JA Michell Gyro SE w/Techno Arm and I cant say enough about how well this combo works! 

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,137 posts
 

It's always a matter of preference.  I'm not familiar with the others, but I've been thrilled with an MP150 body and a JN-P500 stylus with a modified Hagerman Bugle 3 phono stage, and all tube front end.  

rossb
191 posts
 

At that price level, I would suggest looking at the Benz Glider, or one of the new Ortofon MC X series.

ghdprentice
7,992 posts
 

I have a contemporary Linn LP12. A bit off topic... but

I would like to suggest upgrading the bearing on your LP12. The Karousel that replaces its predecessor is one of the more significant upgrades and should improve the sound of all your cartridges. 

quincy
398 posts
 

You should be happy with the Benz Glider, Ortofon X series, or a nice Lyra cart!

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