2. analog
  3. 185379-11384

Recommended cartridge under $2k for a Yamaha PX2 tangential turntable

I am looking to spend up to $2,000 to upgrade my analog source.  My turntable set up includes a Yamaha PX2 tangential turntable with a Hana EH MM cartridge and an Eastern Minimax phono stage.  I also have a Denon  DL-103R.   The  front end consists of SST Ampzilla 2000 SE monoblocks, SST Thoebe II preamp driving Acoustat 2+2 electrostat speakers.   I listen mainly to jazz, jazzy rock, and R & B.

My question is given the quality level of the turntable and phono stage, does it make sense to spend the $1,500 - $2,000 to upgrade the cartridge and live with whatever constraints the table and phono stage present, or should some money be applied to upgrading the table or phono stage?  Or should I spend less on a cartridge now and look in the future to upgrade the table?  I very much like the convenience of having an auto return function on the table, having had pure manual tables in the past and to some extent am willing to sacrifice some quality for this convenience.

If the answer is focus on a better cartridge, which cartridges would be a good match for the Yamaha table?  I would like the cartridge to present a dynamic and 3D soundstage without silibance.  Sure, only another $5k and I've got it, I'm sure.  I am not opposed to buying a pre-owned cartridge, hopefully one that can be rebuilt down the road.  I don't have any preference as far as cartridge type or brand in that I have very limited experience and simply haven't heard the next level or 2  in quality of cartridges.

I am currently adding digital front end (DAC and server) so I can take advantage of Qobuz and/or other services), which is my other goal.  I  appreciate whatever advice you can give.  Thanks in advance.

 

 

lorenc1

Showing 1 response by lewm

lewm
12,537 posts
 

You’ve had Jason’s opinion. In my opinion, you don’t necessarily need a high gain phono stage unless you are fixated on a LOMC cartridge. There are some superb high output cartridges that will work fine with a good MM phono stage, although none of them are MC types, again, in my opinion. Stick with MM and MI type cartridges and you don’t need the high gain. For one example, Nagaoka MP500, which costs ca $900 and will drive an MM phono stage. It’s a Moving Iron type. If you do want a LOMC for well under $2000, then you ought consider Audio Technica, either the ART7 or 9 (both discontinued but maybe can be found NOS) or their new ART9Xi or Xa. Hana Umami Red (make sure it’s a Red) is said to be excellent but will cost more like your $2K upper limit.

I have owned many well regarded HOMC cartridges, and none of them was the equal of any of the above or of many other LOMC, MM, or MI types I own or have owned.

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