Phono cartridge suggestions sought


Hi All,

 I am in the market for a new phono cartridge. I can run up to $1400 but would prefer not to if i can get the performance I want. 

I listen to predominantly Jazz on vinyl, though some rock, folk and classical also gets spun

I recently heard a Hana SL and Rega Apheta at a dealers—different decks, same room and system. Both sounded good although the Apheta was not as heavy sounding and at the same time sounded more “present”. I wasn’t really looking at the Apheta, but it was available to listen to. 

The room is accoustically live with lots of glass and hard surfaces but all sounds good. 

System: Naim Atom, Bryston TT, Parasound JC jr phono stage (so huge loading flexibility and gain up to the 60’s), Totem Acoustics Signature Ones, Transparent cables. Current cart: Denon 103r with 250 hours on it, so it is winding down. 

I have enjoyed the Denon. But wondering about that all elusive “more.”

on paper spec, nobody touches the Grados for channel separation, but not sure how essential a criterion that should be. Especially since I worked hard to tame some RFI from a nearby antenna and the Grados I have heard said are not well-shielded. 

Since my Totems only drop down to 45 Hz, I suppose absolute resolution on the low end could be sacrificed for other sonic goods. 

Ok, hive mind, what do you suggest?
dramatictenor

Showing 2 responses by rauliruegas

Dear @dramatictenor : """   I don’t base purchasing decisions solely on the presence of negative feedback on the Internet. I have never yet encountered a product that I could purchase in which I have not uncovered negative feed back.... """

Agree, is stupid a different way of thinking.

Good luck in your leraning hunter.

R.
Dear @dramatictenor :  Each one has his own preferences so you will have several recomendations for a new cartridge.

Today cartridges manufactured by companies as Audio Technica, Nagaoka, Goldring, Audio Note, Ortofon , Dynavector and the like always are a warranty of quality and they are in the market because people buy their products, no manufacturer stays in the market with out enough sales/people buying its products.

Here in Agon ads you can see this very good " new " cartridge, very good opportunity to own this quality level performance. Shelther 9000 cartridge motor is extraordinary:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9g9bb-shelter-9000-phono-cartridge-cartridges

Another alternatives for less money could be these ones:

https://www.audio-technica.com/cms/cartridges/0b93b60b61b69617/index.html

https://www.lpgear.com/product/AT-OC9XSL.html

https://clearaudio.de/en/products/cartridges-mm-charisma_v2.php

https://www.lpgear.com/product/NAGAOKAMP500.html

https://www.audio-philia.co.uk/audio-note-cartridges

https://www.lpgear.com/product/OR2MBLACK.html

and of course the ones by SoundSmith.

You have several good options for today cartridges , you don't need to look at the past either MC or MM/MI.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.