What are the most balanced relatively neutral cartridges at each price level ?


Say,

level 1 - up to$1k.

level 2 - up to $3.

level 3 - up to $5k.

level 4. - any price.

Personally, I wouldn't want much colour at the source level.

inna

Various Ortofon models are certainly good choices, but, it is hard to say that the tonal balance is neutral.  Most of the lineup below the very top cartridges are warmer sounding than average, but does that make them not as neutral?  At whatever price level applies, I like the Quintet Bronze.  I tend to like the Bronze models in each lineup more than the higher priced Black model (Black models tend to be a bit thinner and a bit harsh, although they do deliver extended highs).
 

Again, not having any reference, I would call most Lyra cartridges not as warm as Koetsus, for example, but I cannot say if they are more or less neutral.  I like several models even if they are not as warm as my ideal.  I own an older Titan, although I am currently using a Transfiguration Orpheus L (a slightly warmer cartridge).  If I thought the Transfiguration is closer to the ideal tonal balance, it would be my choice for being more neutral, but someone preferring the Titan would rhink the opposite.

Audio Technica makes an extensive line of cartridges that I think compete well across all of the price levels set out.  As I mentioned earlier, I am impressed with the AT ART 1000 model—not as warm as a Koetsu, but warm enough for my taste and it sounds great to me; it even impressed a couple of Koetsu owning friends of mine.

Stringreen,

The least you can do is get the name right.  Ortofon Windfeld.  I agree with you it is a very nice cartridge.  One of the best.

@billstevenson Do you mean to tell me the SME V is not still considered a reference tonearm?  I must be seriously out of touch.  Please define what you mean by reference.

As I've pointed out before, SME gets little love here in the colonies. Rest assured, you have a fine tonearm.

Dogberry,

I believe you are operating under a false assumption although I can understand why.  There are those of us in the colonies who totally understand and respect SME.  I do not own an SME V.  I do own other SME arms, but that was not my question.  Your reply is telling, however.  Wrong headed people apparently believe the SME V is not still considered a reference tonearm.  Never mind that it performs at a reference level that very few can match and in my experience damn few can even approach.  Thank you for your insight.

You don't compare vinyl to digital, you compare it to master tape dubs

Not me, mate.  I know what a full orchestra sounds like in a good acoustic.  That's what I use as a reference.