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Warm sounding phono cartridge

Hello all.  I recently upgraded the phono cartridge on my Marantz TT15S1 from the Clearaudio cartridge that came with the table to a Hana Umami Blue.  I'm overall happy with the purchase.  However, while the Hana has made my well cared for and well recorded LP's sound excellent many of my albums now sound thin to me and noisy. Clicks and pops have been exacerbated to the point that I do not want to play some records even after a run through my Degritter ultrasonic.

I'm looking for a phono cartridge MM, MC or MI in the $1,000 range or less that is warm sounding and less revealing than the Hana.  Any thoughts?  

rfauto

Showing 1 response by dishman442

dishman442's avatar
dishman442
53 posts
 

My experience with a Hana was that it required a significant amount of break in. As the hours piled up, the midrange bloomed and the bottom both control and extension improved. Due to this, I also discovered the best settings on the phono pre were different after break in. 
 

Could it be set up or loading issues, sure, but I suggest you get some hours on it before moving on.

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