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

I heared à lot .. the most natural and best sounding is the BENZ mini gold !!

Like some above have said, I found success with a Lyra Etna + VPI + FB gimbal.  As others have also said above, the phonostage choice is important.  

 

But if you’re not planning to spend $10k on the cart and another 4-5 digits on the phonostage, I spent a couple years running an Ortofon 2M Black on a VPI Classic 3, and I thought it was fantastic through a Manley Chinook.  If I were building a reasonably priced system, I’d likely go back to that combo.  Plenty of punch and dynamics, with a tubey flavor. 

Ortofon SPU Royal N, you don't need to spend Megabucks, this gives you all you want in spades full, your arm needs to be relatively massy though. This replaced a EMT JSD VM, I know others have replaced Kondo IOM with this and are not regretting it.