I neglected to ask the questions at the root of the post: if I'm going to go a little over budget, is it more sensible to go over on a cartridge or tonearm? Or should I keep within my budget since my system (Prima Luna Dialogue One amp and Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII speakers) won't benefit from the slight improvement?
Sota Star Tonearm Cartridge Choice
I've finally decided to upgrade the Rega 330 and Hana EL on my refurbished Sota Star with the upgraded electronics. I spoke with Christen at Sota and he recommended another Hana and an Origin Live tonearm. The Origin Live Silver Mk IV with a Hana S will keep me under budget. The Origin Live Zephyr Mk 4 with the Hana S will put me a little over budget. Is the Zephyr significantly better than the Silver for the extra $400, or do you need to get up into the Encounter? Would I be better off going with the Silver but a Hana M cartridge?
Thanks,
John Cotner
New Ulm, MN