Do we even know if the OP’s phono stage is equipped with the step up transformer needed for employing a low output MC? Something warm is the sound being sought, does that mean warmer than the Nagaoka? If so, perhaps something from the Ortofon Quintet line, like the Orange.
Need some help picking my first MC Cartridge
I have recently purchased an Icon PS1 Mk II tube Phono Preamp. and was thinking of purchasing a seperate MC cartridge and head to interchange with my Nagoaka MP 300 MM cartridge, which I am very happy with. This is my first MC Cartridge so this is more of a chance to compare MC versus MM Cartridges. Some suggestions have been Denon 103 or the Hana Red, The Icon Preamp has a fixed MC load setting of 100 ohms. The Sansui SR 525 Direct Drive Turntable that I will be using has an interchangeable cartridge head, so VTA height, tracking weight, anti-skating adjustments may be required for each cartridge but should not take more than 20 minutes to adjust. I have read that some low output cartridges may be preferable to high output, but I am not sure how this matches up with the Icon Preamp. I am a little in the weeds here with the technical information when it comes to cartridges so be gentle.
My listening preference is more to the musical / warm vinyl side. Gear: Tube preamp, Class "A" amp , alternating with a tube Integrated, Wilson Benesch Square 2 Speakers, Rel Subs (x2). I split my listening about 50/50 Vinyl/Digital.
My Budget is up to $1500.00
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- 40 posts total
You absolutely cannot go wrong with a Hana, EL, SL, or ML, since you have an appropriate step up device. I have also had A-T and Ortofons in that price range. I liked them both, for different reasons. The Ortofon had either greater detail or a more peaky high end, whichever way you want to look at it. I couldn't recommend it with a Klipsch or a Focal, but if your speakers have a fabric dome or are simply softer, it is a great match. The A-T was more neutral. In every sense of the word, good and bad. It tracked well wasn't overly bright, but it lacked any sense of excitement, or dynamics, it didn't 'draw me in' like the Ortofon or the Hana. It was utterly unobjectionable. Which is why I moved on. |
The Denon 103 is probably the best budget choice. It has a warm analog kind of sound but it doesn't offer the ultimate in soundstage or detail. I think it is best with a Step Up Transformer and the Audiotorium A23 sounds great with it but it is a little pricey. You could also use a SUT based on the Lundahl LL1933 and be happy. I also own the ART9XA and ART9XI. I think the ART9XA requires a better turntable than you have to really shine since it's improvements are primarily in soundstage and separation and the arm/table really have to be good to allow its virtues to show up. It didn't sound special with a Technics SL1200GR. But the ART9XI is fantastic with terrific dynamics and a very balanced presentation from bass thru treble. However, I don't think anybody would describe it as warm. I have never used it but the AT-OC9XML gets a lot of love and it is a much better price point than the ART9 series. The Dynavector 10X5 would be another good recommendation. This isn't the most resolving cartridge and the top end is a little rolled off but it sounds great and has a wonderful midrange. Grado Moving Iron cartridges also have a very warm character but my Grado Sonata 3 is too rolled off in the highs for my tastes. Also, don't get too hung up on all this. Cartridges definitely make a difference but probably less of a difference than most reviewers/users represent. Having said that my cartridge of choice at the moment is the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze. |
@jasonbourne71 Wow, you're running an old-school, stiff MC in maybe the lowest mass tonearm ever. How's the bass? |
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