Benz Micro Glider was out about that time, at about that price. |
Dynavector Karat Diamond? |
Look for NOS Monster Sigma Genisis 2000 Mc. This cartridge was one of a handful of cartridges Harry Pearson gushed about back in the day, He felt that this cartridge did everything right. I have one of the other cartridges he was smitten with,it's listed on my system. I owned the 2000 in fact I still have them one the cantiliver was sheared off during an earthquake and the other one is way past it's prime. |
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Hi Lemmy, ask this question on the vinylengine forums and you'll get a LOT of good advice, those guys are obsessed with everything vinyl. There are compliance issues with the cartridge/arm interface that you'll need to address but once you've got that sorted there are tons of good options. The cartridge in an analog set up is crucially important so you'll want to take your time and maybe try out a couple of options to see how it matches with everything else in your system. The cartridge isn't something you want to skimp on: A great cartridge on an average table is significantly better than the other way around. |
Thanks all! -Qdrone nailed it! It was a Monster Genesis! I MAY have bought a Benz Glider as well but in 1995 I made a major move and sold my Oracle MkII and cartridges.
This is why keeping a journal is a great idea but, I just don't have the time!.
It's not so much that I'm looking to re-create the past but to decide what will replace the Oracle.
I'll put up another post regarding TTs if I can't find an answer in existing posts. |
I'm leaning towards a VPI Aries 1 w/JMW etc but your comments about cartridge choice mirror my experience esp.
"A great cartridge on an average table is significantly better than the other way around."
An excellent summary and 'mantra' -thanks. |
Lemmy - FYI, many knowledgeable analog fans believe the exact opposite of what you believe to be an excellent mantra. They would recommend a better table/arm combo and a more modest cartridge over what you suggest. A great cartridge cannot perform properly in a mediocre arm. But it's your money and you can spend it as you choose. |
Chayro...lemmy says he will get an Aries/JMW...this combination would benefit from the finest cartridge without modifying the tonearm. |
I wasn't commenting on his particular choice of TTs. I've never owned a VPI and I have nothing against them, as I know some people do. Those arms are often love it or hate it with many. I was commenting on Lemmy's "mantra" statement. I wouldn't mount a Lyra Atlas in a Music Hall MM5. |
How will knowing what you bought in 1995 help you to choose a cartridge here in 2015? I don't get it. FWIW, Monster Alpha Genesis was probably made by some other company for Monster, since they were never per se cartridge makers. If you want to duplicate that sound, you might do well to do a search on the origin of that cartridge; possibly the actual maker is still out there. OR, you can try to pick one up in the used vintage market. |
BTW- Lemmy, if you're that interested in reliving the past, which is totally cool, why not just get another Oracle? They're still made and they are very nice. I'm not going to do it, but I wouldn't mind owning a 1970 Chevelle SS or GTO. |
Alpha Genesis cartridges were originally developed by Nakatsuka-san, before he founded ZYX.
The current ZYX lineup should provide equivalent or better (mostly better) performance. Same designer. All models still made by hand, either by Nakatsuka-san or one of two planned successors that he hired, trained and still supervises.
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Dan my 2000 was also on an Oracle II. The tonearm was an Et 2.5. Still have it but I bought an Oracle 5 upgraded it to a 6. Plan to have the 5 bearing put in two,buy a Grado TOL Mono Cartridge and have a table exclusive for Mono. |
Yeah there are a lot of used Oracles out there but the motors go bad. People are buying tables just for the motor. I wouldn't think it would be too hard to rebuild the motor though. But I gotta tell you I'm happy with the 6,it throws a huge Soundstage and has a bottom my 2 only dreamed about. |
I like an Ortofon Black..(among many cartridges) |
Yes, that's what I read. Cartridge is the least significant element in turntable/arm/cartridge/phono system. $100 cartridge through $5000 phono - okay though unwise. $5000 cartridge through $100 phono - almost no sound at all.
As I understand, the table itself is the most important, then the arm, then phono. |
