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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 5 responses by terry9

terry9
2,243 posts
 
Set-up, set-up, set-up.

I suspect that differences in set-up are greater than differences between cartridges at similar price points. Which means that you might want to spend your bucks on set-up tools first. Just my 0.01 cents.
terry9
2,243 posts
 
As for stylus wear, I am sceptical. I suspect that the cleanliness of records is extremely important.

I recall a study which indicated that the gunk in record grooves was equal parts fluff, grease, and diamond dust - pretty much an ideal grinding compound. Then I went ultrasonic for cleaning, which, as a bonus, made a big difference to the sound.
terry9
2,243 posts
 
I suggest a quality torque screwdriver. Yep, I'm serious.

My higher end Koetsu was disappointingly similar to my old MM until I bought one. Then it blossomed into Koetsu Magic.

What did it do for me? Most importantly, both screws could be tightened to the same torque. That permitted me to set azimuth properly. A Linn engineer discussed this at some length years ago, and I found that his recommendations were right on. Now my MM sounds better too!
terry9
2,243 posts
 
Don’t know if this will work for you, but I adjust azimuth by finding an undamaged record which sounds noticeably better on one channel than it does on the other.

Some of the Harmonia Mundi choral selections with strings have this characteristic on my system. Also Maurice Andre’s Bach for Trumpet.

First, adjust visually so that the stylus is as nearly perpendicular to the record surface as possible. Then put on the above record and play a few bars.

Then change the azimuth slightly in one direction, clockwise or counterclockwise, it doesn’t matter. If it sounds worse (difference is more pronounced), return to the original setting and try the other direction. If it sounds better (difference is less), try more of the same. Gradually zero in on a setting in which the channels sound similar.

Take your time. You’ve got hundreds of hours to get it right. Good hunting!
terry9
2,243 posts
 
You might want to consider a Miyajima. I have the Zero for mono LP's, and it’s very good, especially for the price.
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