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High end cartridge

I post similar question in other forum, but didn’t get help I need.


I want buy high end cartridge to replace my old one, I have very little experience with cartridges, only entry level of Ortofon, Denon, and Shelter, the last two brands I didn’t like them. So I like ask folks here who have great experience with cartridges, and with VPI FB Gimbal tonearm.

 

I’m concern very much about SQ differentials, I like full body sound, live, punch, authority, and neutral. My first choice will be Ortofon Cadenza black, but before go for it, I want check other brands for better alternative.

 

I see many people go for Lyra or Dynavector, I’m aware they are high end, but I have doubt the sound charastric of these cartridges not close to what I want, but more similar to Denon, and Shelter.

 

I wonder if my assumptions are correct?

 

And about Soundsmith, Benz, Van Den Hul, how good are these? And compare to Ortofon?

 

And will be other brands worth to check?

 

Thanks to all.

knight7m
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,226 posts
 

@jasonbourne52 , I agree but, you have to tell that to the people that buy them. If they would stop the prices would come down. IMHO there are many high output cartridges that will outperform the Hana like all of the ones I mention above. The Goldring and AT are even less expensive and still have much better stylus profiles and cantilevers not to mention that they avoid another gain stage entirely. In audio less is frequently more.

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,269 posts
 

The Dynavector DV20X2l sounds nothing like my Denon/ZU DL103.  The Dynavector has a much richer midrange and much better midbass.  Not even in the same ballpark as the Denon.

audiosaurusrex's avatar
audiosaurusrex
316 posts
 

Hana yes all day long! SL and Umami are just amazing. But..... I have to say I really love the AT-ART9xa, definitely worth looking at.

tablejockey
3,793 posts
 

Include the Audio Technica ART9 for the $1K MC cartridge catagory.

Search the archives to see all the praise from the users(including myself) and how it performs well above its price point.

The AT OC9 series(a step down the line) is also worth a look, and like the ART series, performs above the price points.

 

joey_v
650 posts
 

On my FB arm (I have both gimbal and dual pivot), I have Lyra Etna.  It sounds superb.  Might be something to consider.

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