Upgrading Cartridge - $1000 Soup'er Holiday Edition

Why not the Nagaoka MP500? It's got everything you have already but better in every area.

I think you are right on with the Art9. Great value!

@noromance  Thats sort of my unofficial go to cart for the reasons you stated. There's so many out there I wanted to maybe try a new flavor. 👍

AudioTechnica AT ART9 XI (.5mv output).  

The new ART9s are a little pricier (try upscale audio for a good discount) but they are way beyond the usual run of $1000 cartridges.  By a mile.  

Mine competed quite well on my GR with the ~ $2K Ortofon Cadenza Blue.  

ART9XI distinguishing characteristics-

Super clean and refined, a true high end sound.   

Colorful and very engaging.  

Huge sound stage.   

Dynamic. 

@avanti1960  first cart I looked up was the Cadenza Blue because you posted about it and we have the same table and pre. Out of my price league but very curious. I know you had the Art9 as well and thats right there so I will look further into it. Would AT MM carts work with the Sutherland's capacitance?

good question, i have not been able to find the capacitance or tried an MM cartridge.  i am sure ron sutherland will answer if you e-mail sutherland.  

At 1K, I recommend a Soundsmith Carmen II.

@ozzy62  This will work wit the GR's arm (compliance)?

I like the ART9 on the G series Technics tables.  I haven’t heard the others. 
 

it’s a great cart. Worth every penny. 

I had a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star ES.  ($2K). 

The ART9 sounded so much better FYI.