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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
clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 

Most re-tip friendly company is van den Hul.

They to a full rebuild for less than 25% of many other high end MC companies who often charge 50% of new.

madrac
13 posts
 

I'm currently running a VAS NOVA HW special MC cartridge on my upgraded VPI Classic 1 with Fatboy Gimbal.  It's a very nice sounding cartridge. 

Previously, was running a Soundmith Carmen which I thought was also very good.  I do have a Soundsmith Paua (new in box that I bought locally for 1/2 price from a fellow VPI forum member) to try as my next cartridge.

I'd like to try a Grado in the future, as well.

Rest of my analog chain includes Bob SUT Sky20, Manley Chinook, and SugarCube (which is typically in Bypass but useful for the occasional LP with pops/clicks that just won't clean up).

 

russellrcncom
305 posts
 

There are a lot of good suggestions here but one thing you should consider is whether you plan on installing the cartridge yourself or have it installed at the dealer where you purchased the cartridge.  In my case I definitely want the latter but the local dealers don't carry a lot of boutique lines.  Miyajima and Lyra are my preferred choices but try finding a dealer in the northeast.  The one good things about Hana is there are at least 3 dealers that cover the line in a 50 mile radius of where I live.  If you're up to the challenge of installing it yourself the options are definitely in your favor.  

polkalover
100 posts
 

I use the Soundsmith Paua- best cart I've ever had.  It solved a grounding and rumble issue I was having and also delivers tremendous SQ.  Wouldnt buy any other brand.  I also owned  the Kiseki Purple Heart-  this cart although very detailed was extremely sensitive - translation caused problems.

Based on your description of sound - I would go with a soundsmith- but then again I'm biased.

cpr267
7 posts
 

I just upgraded from ortofon 2m Bronze to a Soundsmith Carmen MK II and I'm very happy with it. My table is a VPI Scout Jr with a gimble bearing. This cart really brought my system to the next level in terms of detail, dynamics, soundstage and imaging. I think it was the right choice. Great compliment to my system. 

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