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Best Cartridges for the Money You've Experienced

I'd like to ask those of you who have tried many a cartridge over the years to nominate ones that you feel are among the very best and are available today, new or used, at a substantially lower price than most of today's reference-level cartridges. Feel free to mention great cartridges from years past that still show up now and then on Audiogon.

I currently have a Koetsu Rosewood Signature mounted on an SME-5 arm. I'd like to go up from there in sound quality without having to rob a bank.
bolson
kitch29
316 posts
 
Curious as to why Raul doesn't seem to have tried any Grados?
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rauliruegas
12,865 posts
 
Dear Kitch29: Well as a fact I did and that Grado ( The Tribute that is the one I own. ) is one of the stellar graded MM type cartridges.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
kitch29
316 posts
 
Raul, thanks for the reply. I missed that mention. Not familiar with the Tribute.

I ask because the last ten years I've only used MCs: Talisman Virtuoso, DV 10x5, 47 McBee and now Benz Ace Low. The McBee was killer but a review sample now gone. Have only distant memories of MMs.

Thinking about a Grado Reference or Sonata because of the luscious mids (maybe too luscious?) of the Sonata and Platinum I heard recently. I'm also thinking higher compliance because of the SME III currently mounted. The top end of both seemed somewhat rolled off, tho', especially the Platinum so I'm not sure. I may soon go for the $800 low output Grado, never remember if it's Statement or Reference. Your recommendations would save me a ton of money.

You're comment on 100k loading is interesting and it's easy enough to try. My Nova Phenomena has a 100k setting and my Cornet2 is a simple 2 resistor switch.

What about the suspensions of these older cartridges you advocate? Don't they get brittle?
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rauliruegas
12,865 posts
 
Dear kitch: +++++ " What about the suspensions of these older cartridges you advocate? " +++++

Till today, either MC/MM, I never have any single trouble that I can say " it is due to the cartridge suspension ", so no one has to worry about.

Yesterday I receive a MC Technics 305 build in 1980 and performs beautiful!!!!

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
jimaxp
25 posts
 
I'll give you Agoners a little heads up exclusive. I've had a cartridge in for review that is unique in the world. It's loved by Frank Schroeder and another major turntable maker who is a Very Prestigious Individual. It's The Voice by Soundsmith, Tracks at 1 gram and is a high output. What EVER cart you now have, you need to hear this if you have any kind of high end table. I'm using it on my TW Acustic Raven One and Graham Phantom. Just a heads up....
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