Lyra Atlas, Ortofon Anna, ..my favorite Lyra Etna
What Cartridge please?
I have a ClearAudio Concept TT w/satisty tone arm, and currently using a Denon DL110 cart, but I want to upgrade. What is the best cart that this TT can fully utilize??
I want to stay with MC carts as I like their sound, and preferably a CA unit, but I'm open in that regard.
My phono stage can handle any cart I throw at it, so no limitations there.
Thanks Fellas,
Cheers
I want to stay with MC carts as I like their sound, and preferably a CA unit, but I'm open in that regard.
My phono stage can handle any cart I throw at it, so no limitations there.
Thanks Fellas,
Cheers
23 responses Add your response
Shawn - since you are using a Denon DL110 successfully - you might be able to switch to a Soundsmith Denon DL103 or 103R - but verify the compliance first I was using the stock 103 for a couple of years - then upgraded to the Soundsmith version of the DL103 with a Ruby Cantilever and a Optimized Contour contact line diamond for superb performance. The mods were well worth the money and I retained the same sonic signature that I like - just with bags more details and clarity You could even send your cart to SS for a cantilever/stylus upgrade Take a look at their options page http://www.sound-smith.com/options-cantilever-and-stylus-shapes#overlay-context=services Soundsmith also now carries their own line of cartridges Hope that helps |
Bearing in mind your TT / tonearm cost, it doesn't make much sense to me to spend mega- bucks on the cartridge. Two of the best cart's I have owned in the moderate to medium-price range are the Shelter 501 Mk3 (mc), and the ClearAudio Maestro v2 Ebony (Mm). Both are first-rate cart's. If you want to step up a notch, consider the Lyra Delos. |
Also available at $500-ish is the Audio Technica AT33PTG/II. It's not officially distributed in the US, but is easy to find on Amazon and eBay from Japanese vendors. It's also available on Japan-based audiocubes2.com. It's like the AT33EV except that it has the boron cantilever and MicroLinear stylus, which is a quicker tracker and lasts longer betfore needing a retip--or so I've been told by my local long-running analog specialty store. |
Shawnlh, I haven't personally made the comparison, but I have an industry insider friend who rolls lots of top cartridges, and who positions the AT ART7 & ART9 above both the Kleos and the Delos. I have an ART7 and will probably try an ART9. Reportedly the ART9 has a fuller and more dynamic presentation than the ART7(and a more phono stage friendly .5mV output.) I do have both ART7 and DL-S1 and prefer the ART7. Whatever the merits of the AT ARTs, there are doubtless audiophiles who won't try them due to confirmation bias favoring higher priced brands. |
Alas - soundsmith has stopped selling the wood bodied version due to supplier difficulties Also see the latest news on Soundsmith here https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/fyi-soundsmith-pre-modified-denon-dl103-and-103r Regards... |
While I am as happy as the next guy to throw out suggestions based on my experience (another ZYX fan here), I think it may be more helpful a discussion if you give us an idea of what you are looking for in a cart? What types of music do you listen to, and what characteristics of the music are of most interest to you? |
I listen to a huge variety of music, about only thing I don't listen to is classical. I prefer strings to air (to a point), and tend to shy away from brass instruments other than the sax. I try not to be too analytical when listening as I find it detracts from the joy, but I like to hear "air" around the instruments. In all fairness, the DL110 isn't horrible, but the "air" tends to lack, and the stage can become a bit shallow at times. |
What would be your opinions on this........http://www.lpgear.com/product/AT50ANV.html The cost fits in with the rest of the system. |
AT50ANV is precursor to ART7. The product literature suggests that the two are identical, except that the non-magnetic coil armature was changed from titanium to stiffer and more lightweight liquid crystal polymer. The commemorative ANV version carries a price premium. I really like the ART7, but my friend who has both cartridges feels that greater embodiment and dynamics makes the ART9 more involving. |