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  1. #1
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    Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    What are some of your favorite cartridges? I know the arm and the table play a huge role, but for the sake of argument, let's focus on some of your favorite cartridges.

    Top Tier for me:
    Goldfinger
    MC Anna
    Lyra Etna
    Air Tight PC-1 Supreme
    ZYX Universe Premium
    Transfiguration Proteus

    Amazing Values:
    Ortofon A95
    Ortofon Cadenza Bronze/Black

    Sleepers:
    Miyajima Madake
    My Sonic Lab Hyper Eminent
    My Sonic Lab Eminent
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  2. #2

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    What are some of your favorite cartridges? I know the arm and the table play a huge role, but for the sake of argument, let's focus on some of your favorite cartridges.

    Top Tier for me:
    Goldfinger
    MC Anna
    Lyra Etna
    Air Tight PC-1 Supreme
    ZYX Universe Premium
    Transfiguration Proteus

    Amazing Values:
    Ortofon A95
    Ortofon Cadenza Bronze/Black

    Sleepers:
    Miyajima Madake
    My Sonic Lab Hyper Eminent
    My Sonic Lab Eminent

    No Koetsu Blue Lace or Coralstone? What's the difference between amazing values and sleepers, aren't the sleepers good value?

  3. #3
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Taking it down a notch (my top tier is someone's bottom start). Based on my experiences...

    Top Tier:
    Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
    Miyajima Zero


    Great Value:
    Dynavector 20x2H
    Ortofon Cadenza Mono
    Zu Denon 103
    Denon 103R
    Stanton 681EEEMKIII with Original OEM Stylus
    Avanti Audio

    arc sp-11 or ls27 | arc d130 | vpi classic 2 w/periphery ring w/Si3N4 bearing & sapphire thrust plate & 2x jmw 10.5i | phoenix engineering eagle & road runner | ortofon cadenza bronze, miyajima zero mono | sentec eq11 w/ Sylvania 5751 TMBP & CBS 7318 | auditorium a23 | canton ref 9 dc | 2x m&k v125 | oppo bdp-95 | chord qutest | lumin d1 & sbooster | avanti audio vivace cables

  4. #4

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeCh View Post
    Taking it down a notch (my top tier is someone's bottom start). Based on my experiences...

    Top Tier:
    Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
    Miyajima Zero


    Great Value:
    Dynavector 20x2H
    Ortofon Cadenza Mono
    Zu Denon 103
    Denon 103R
    Stanton 681EEEMKIII with Original OEM Stylus
    My Cadenza Bronze shipped today - I'm excited like a little kid .


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  5. #5
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    My Cadenza Bronze shipped today - I'm excited like a little kid .


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    I love my Bronze! It pairs well with my 3D arm on my VPI Avenger.
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
    Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
    Kharma Elegance speaker cables
    Kharma Elegance interconnects
    REL Subs

  6. #6
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    I think the Lyra Delos is a fantastic bargain cartridge!
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
    Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
    Kharma Elegance speaker cables
    Kharma Elegance interconnects
    REL Subs

  7. #7

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    I love my Bronze! It pairs well with my 3D arm on my VPI Avenger.
    Well, I just got the Prime but also with the 3D tone arm .


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  8. #8

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Dynavector XX2 MkII is not too shabby either and also attractive price wise.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  9. #9
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    I don't have any first hand experience with it, but there's a lot of buzz about the Audio Technica AT-ART9 being a top performer and exceptional value.

  10. #10

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    I love the Lyra's. Recently sold my Atlas and miss it. Also have heard the Goldfinger Statement in my system...it's pretty special too. I have 2 friends with Air Tight Supremes...that's another good one !

    Tried to post a image of my Allaerts MC 2 Finish (not to shabby)...but I need 10 posts
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Speakers: Rockport Altair 2
    Amp: Nagra HD Preamp & Amps
    Cables: Transparent Magnum Opus & Opus Gen 5 Speaker
    Power Transparent Opus Power Cords & Opus Power Isolators
    Power Shunyata DPC-6 v2
    Digital dCS Vivaldi full stack w/ Transparent Reference XL Digital cables
    Phono: Grand Prix Monaco TT, Spiral Groove Centroid, Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement v2, Nagra VPS/VFS/MPS
    Racks:
    Grand Prix Audio Silverstone F1

  11. #11

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Now I am somebody. Post #11 :-)

    Attached Images Attached Images
    Speakers: Rockport Altair 2
    Amp: Nagra HD Preamp & Amps
    Cables: Transparent Magnum Opus & Opus Gen 5 Speaker
    Power Transparent Opus Power Cords & Opus Power Isolators
    Power Shunyata DPC-6 v2
    Digital dCS Vivaldi full stack w/ Transparent Reference XL Digital cables
    Phono: Grand Prix Monaco TT, Spiral Groove Centroid, Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement v2, Nagra VPS/VFS/MPS
    Racks:
    Grand Prix Audio Silverstone F1

  12. #12
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Btw, I should have noted that I currently run the Ortofon Cadenza Bronze in an Origin Live Enterprise-C arm on a Nottingham Dais table, and it sounds quite exceptional.

  13. #13
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    My Cadenza Bronze shipped today - I'm excited like a little kid .

    As you should be, congrats! It's a fantastic phono cartridge and its popularity is for good reason.

    Please share your thoughts when you get some listening time with it.
    Avanti Audio

    arc sp-11 or ls27 | arc d130 | vpi classic 2 w/periphery ring w/Si3N4 bearing & sapphire thrust plate & 2x jmw 10.5i | phoenix engineering eagle & road runner | ortofon cadenza bronze, miyajima zero mono | sentec eq11 w/ Sylvania 5751 TMBP & CBS 7318 | auditorium a23 | canton ref 9 dc | 2x m&k v125 | oppo bdp-95 | chord qutest | lumin d1 & sbooster | avanti audio vivace cables

  14. #14

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    To be honest, apart from listening to other people's carts, I don't have experience with cartridges outside of the Clearaudio premium range.. Talisman and upwards. The reason being is that I own a McInotsh MT10 and those Clearaudio carts are best suited for it because of what the MT10 is. The McIntosh MT10 is an excellent table built by Clearaudio, nothing more.

    Any Clearaudio cartridge from Stradivari upwards is a great match for the MT10. The sweet spot in that category would be the DaVinci V2.

    The thing is, once you have been poisoned by a Goldfinger Statement you cannot go back. The price today for a Goldfinger is scary. I would consider the DaVinci V2 to be one of those great sleepers.

    (Don't ask me to write about measurements! --- That said if you do buy a one of these carts, you will get an individual performance report with a graph.)

    Attached Images Attached Images


    Speakeasy

  15. #15

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by MikeCh View Post
    As you should be, congrats! It's a fantastic phono cartridge and its popularity is for good reason.

    Please share your thoughts when you get some listening time with it.
    Hi Mike,

    The Cadenza Bronze still needs to be broken in, but I must say I'm impressed.

    I tried before a Clearaudio Virtuoso MM cartridge and the Clearaudio Performance DC, but with those the fun just would not emerge.

    Now, with Cadenza Bronze and Vpi Prime, a totally different story.

    Cheers,
    Kuoppis


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  16. #16
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    I really like my Cadenza Bronze in my system. I like it more than I like my soundsmith,"the Voice". I like both of those more than my clearaudio Virtuoso, but it is really good too, especially playing jazz.
    Regards,
    Steve

    https://www.audionirvana.org/forum/t...geezr-s-system
    I only do what the voices in my wife's head tell her to tell me to do.

  17. #17
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    One cartridge I would add to the "Amazing Value" Category the the Kiseki Purple Heart.
    I have been listening to one for the past couple of weeks. It is definitely an over achiever in its price range ($3,500.00).

    One cartridge on the list that I would love to try is the Lyra Etna. I have an older Titan that I really enjoy. It would be great to see what the Etna brings to the table over the Titan.
    Audio Den

    Audio Physic, B&W, Dynaudio, Magnepan, Paradigm, Golden Ear, Wilson Audio, Audio Research, Anthem, Arye, Bel Canto, Classe, Constellation Audio, Esoteric, JL Audio, Marantz, McIntosh, NAD, Parasound, PrimaLuna, Rotel, Simaudio, Technics, Clearaudio, Dr. Feickert, EAT, Pro-Ject, Thorens, Benz Micro, Denon, Grado, Ortofon, Sumiko, Audioquest, Nordost, Shunyata, Transparent Cable, Audeze, Sennheiser, King Sound, Master and Dynamic, Okki Nokki and many others.

  18. #18

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    My Cadenza Bronze shipped today - I'm excited like a little kid .


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    You should be. Great bang for the buck.
    Anthony
    Analog: VPI Clearaudio Innovation Wood/Kuzma 4Point/Ortofon A95> ASR Basis Exclusive HV---->

    Digital: Antipodes CX (Oladra Upgrade)> Cary DMS-600 DAC/Streamer---->
    ...........Cary 306 SACD Professional Disc Player---->

    ===> Cary SLP-05 (Ultimate Upgrade edition)----> Clayton M-300----> MARTIN LOGAN SPIRES/REL 212SX x2

    [Synergistic Research/Nordost/Wireworld/Furutech/SRA/Adona/Stillpoints/Track Audio/GIK Acoustics]

  19. #19
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Hi Mike,

    The Cadenza Bronze still needs to be broken in, but I must say I'm impressed.

    I tried before a Clearaudio Virtuoso MM cartridge and the Clearaudio Performance DC, but with those the fun just would not emerge.

    Now, with Cadenza Bronze and Vpi Prime, a totally different story.

    Cheers,
    Kuoppis


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    That is great news Kuoppis! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do mine.


    Attached Images Attached Images
    Avanti Audio

    arc sp-11 or ls27 | arc d130 | vpi classic 2 w/periphery ring w/Si3N4 bearing & sapphire thrust plate & 2x jmw 10.5i | phoenix engineering eagle & road runner | ortofon cadenza bronze, miyajima zero mono | sentec eq11 w/ Sylvania 5751 TMBP & CBS 7318 | auditorium a23 | canton ref 9 dc | 2x m&k v125 | oppo bdp-95 | chord qutest | lumin d1 & sbooster | avanti audio vivace cables

  20. #20
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    The Ortofon Cadenza Bronze is VERY popular here.

    I knew some AS members owned the Cadenza Bronze, but in just the 2 pages of postings so far in this thread there are more than I figured there would be!
    Avanti Audio

    arc sp-11 or ls27 | arc d130 | vpi classic 2 w/periphery ring w/Si3N4 bearing & sapphire thrust plate & 2x jmw 10.5i | phoenix engineering eagle & road runner | ortofon cadenza bronze, miyajima zero mono | sentec eq11 w/ Sylvania 5751 TMBP & CBS 7318 | auditorium a23 | canton ref 9 dc | 2x m&k v125 | oppo bdp-95 | chord qutest | lumin d1 & sbooster | avanti audio vivace cables

  21. #21
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    My Ortofon Cadenza Bronze sounds very good with my VPI Scout.
    Buddy

    Boulder 1160 Amp, 1110 Pre-Amp
    Audio Research Ref. 3 Phono-Pre
    Vivid Audio Giya G2S2 Speakers
    MSB Reference DAC
    Innuos Statement w/Next. Gen. PS
    B & W DB1D Subwoofer X2
    Audioquest Niagara 5000 Power Conditioner
    Kronos Pro Turntable w/Kronoscope RS tonearm + SCPS-1 PS + MSL Platinum Cart.
    VPI HW-40 Turntable w/ Lyra Etna cartridge
    Jay's Audio CDT3-MK3 CD Transport
    Schiit Mjolnir 2 HPA + Audeze LCD X headphones
    Adona Equipment Rack and Amp Stands
    Furutech Outlets and Plates + NCF Booster
    Shunyata Cables
    Synergistic Research Galileo SX Ground Block, FEQ 4, Ethernet Switch UEF, Black Box + Room Acoustic treatments

  22. #22
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    I'll vote for the Etna. I wasn't prepared for how great it sounds. Paraphrasing German Audio's September 2015 review: 'What immediately strikes you in listening to the Etna is its momentum and openness. It is supremely clean, extremely dynamic, and has a dreamlike tone and naturalness. It is natural on instruments, and especially voices have an almost magical beauty.'

    Also, it really does do well with every type of music.

  23. #23

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    You have forgotten the Ortofon Winfield.....only a small tick less than the very top Lyra, but much less cost.

  24. #24
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by Stringreen View Post
    You have forgotten the Ortofon Winfield.....only a small tick less than the very top Lyra, but much less cost.
    I have Ortofon Windfeld brochure

  25. #25
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    double post

  26. #26

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Hay Mate....regarding the link to E-bay. ...just my take.....be careful of the free shipping....it may not include customs fees. also...to get a cartridge from who knows where and send it to Ortofon for refurbishing........they may not do it because of the grey market aspect. ...and ....are you sure this is for a used cartridge, and not just a brochure. You could get that as a download directly from Ortofon.

  27. #27
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by Stringreen View Post
    Hay Mate....regarding the link to E-bay. ...just my take.....be careful of the free shipping....it may not include customs fees. also...to get a cartridge from who knows where and send it to Ortofon for refurbishing........they may not do it because of the grey market aspect. ...and ....are you sure this is for a used cartridge, and not just a brochure. You could get that as a download directly from Ortofon.
    Thanks... although I'm not sure why you wrote any of it... Free shipping means just that - free shipping, it has nothing to do with Customs fees. I never even touched a cartridge in my life, yet alone owned one, yet alone sold one. I have no idea what made you think that I'm selling cartridges. I'm in brochures business. You want a specific Ortofon brochure? You talk to me. You want that in digital form? Go download it, there is always someone who wants original printed material.

  28. #28
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    I generally only comment on gear I have heard in my system.


    top tier : Lyra Atlas - is your system up to this level of neutral magnification - on the right recordings Atlas is absolute king

    top tier superb value : Dynavector XV-1s. Its been around for a long time now, so is easily forgotten in this : must have the newest and greatest mentality"
    I have had dyna's in my system for over 20 years and the XV-1 series I am on my third. Hard to say a 5k cartridge is good value, but in comparison it is. Does everything well and the true all rounder cartridge that sounds excellent on all your record collection.

    Both the Lyra's and dyna's top end micro line stylus last considerably longer than say the Ortofon replicant100 stylus profile, which adds to their overall value equation.

    Best value: imo easily the Lyra Delos

    best sleeper value: Denon DL-S1 at less than 1k is a bargin - your phono stage needs to be up to the task as its very low output.


    Love to hear cartridges: Koestu top of range stone cartridges to hear for myself the syrup all gone.
    My Sonic Lab top cartridge, never mind OEM Air Tight, I want to hear the guy who makes these cartridges own company -
    Lyra Etna


    cheers
    Source: Technics SP10mk3 - Thales Simplicity II, TW Raven AC-3 - Graham Phantom, SME 3012-R, Exclusive P3,,Linn LP12 - Naim ARO
    Cartridges: Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Lyra Etna SL, Lyra Delos, Dynavector XV-1s,Technics EPC100mk4, Ortofon A90, GM Royal, GM Classic, Denon ESC'd 103R, DL-S1, Audio Technica AT25, OC9II, Linn ESC'd Troika
    Phono Stage: Phasemation EA-1200, Accuphase C-37,TW Acustik phono
    EQ: ​DEQX HDP-4
    Preamp: D'Agostino HD, conrad johnson GAT,
    Amps: conrad johnson teflon premier 8a's, D'Agostino Momentum S250
    Speakers: Wilson Maxx3

  29. #29
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    I am more than pleased with the performance of the Ortofon Cadenza Black on my Michell Gyro SE with an SME309 tonearm. Fabulous sounding moving coil cartridge.







    I am also thrilled with the sound of my Ortofon Cadenza Blue on my Micro Seiki DD-40 with the MA505 tonearm. Love the ruby cantilever. Very clean sound.


    Dan

    STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital coax,
    Sonos Connect, Stillpoints Ultra SS & Ultra Mini, PurePower 2000, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario

    LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205 Signal Sleuth, Sonos Connect, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable,
    Sony DAT 60ES, Nakamichi BX-300, Micro Seiki DD40 w/m505A tonearm, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Stillpoints Ultra Mini, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113

    VINTAGE - McIntosh 4300V, McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, JBL 4312A

  30. #30
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by XV-1 View Post
    I generally only comment on gear I have heard in my system.


    top tier : Lyra Atlas - is your system up to this level of neutral magnification - on the right recordings Atlas is absolute king




    cheers
    Got mine yesterday. Hope you are right.

  31. #31

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by XV-1 View Post
    I generally only comment on gear I have heard in my system.


    top tier : Lyra Atlas - is your system up to this level of neutral magnification - on the right recordings Atlas is absolute king

    top tier superb value : Dynavector XV-1s. Its been around for a long time now, so is easily forgotten in this : must have the newest and greatest mentality"
    I have had dyna's in my system for over 20 years and the XV-1 series I am on my third. Hard to say a 5k cartridge is good value, but in comparison it is. Does everything well and the true all rounder cartridge that sounds excellent on all your record collection.

    Both the Lyra's and dyna's top end micro line stylus last considerably longer than say the Ortofon replicant100 stylus profile, which adds to their overall value equation.

    Best value: imo easily the Lyra Delos

    best sleeper value: Denon DL-S1 at less than 1k is a bargin - your phono stage needs to be up to the task as its very low output.


    Love to hear cartridges: Koestu top of range stone cartridges to hear for myself the syrup all gone.
    My Sonic Lab top cartridge, never mind OEM Air Tight, I want to hear the guy who makes these cartridges own company -
    Lyra Etna


    cheers
    Since you like the Lyras, no Lyra Olympos?

  32. #32
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by bonzo View Post
    Since you like the Lyras, no Lyra Olympos?
    Hi Ked

    They don't manufacture the Olympus anymore, unless you already have one. J Carr told me the Atlas and Etna are better sounding cartridges. He is a straight up and down guy so no desire to hear the Olympus.

    That said, there are now SL versions of the Atlas and Etna .25mv output vs .5 mv.

    Myles Astor has an Atlas SL in for review. That will take a while while he extensively listens to it.
    Source: Technics SP10mk3 - Thales Simplicity II, TW Raven AC-3 - Graham Phantom, SME 3012-R, Exclusive P3,,Linn LP12 - Naim ARO
    Cartridges: Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Lyra Etna SL, Lyra Delos, Dynavector XV-1s,Technics EPC100mk4, Ortofon A90, GM Royal, GM Classic, Denon ESC'd 103R, DL-S1, Audio Technica AT25, OC9II, Linn ESC'd Troika
    Phono Stage: Phasemation EA-1200, Accuphase C-37,TW Acustik phono
    EQ: ​DEQX HDP-4
    Preamp: D'Agostino HD, conrad johnson GAT,
    Amps: conrad johnson teflon premier 8a's, D'Agostino Momentum S250
    Speakers: Wilson Maxx3

  33. #33
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    My picks for sleeper cartridges are:

    The EMT line of cartridges. Great performance and value.

    Shindo - Difficult to find, and only comes mounted in a Bakelite Ortofon A headshell, but worth the search.

    My system in my signature has changed some and I now own both cartridges as well as a Garrard 301
    Jim Perry

    Garrard 301 TT in Woodsong Plinth
    Ortofon 309D Tonearm
    Shindo Cartridge
    EMT Cartridge

    SME Model 10A Turntable
    Benz Micro LP-S mr Cartridge
    Aesthetix Rhea Signature Tube phono preamp
    Aesthetix Calypso Tube preamp
    Aesthetix Atlas Amplifier
    Proac Response D-40r Speaker
    Linn Genki CD Player
    Nordost Cable

  34. #34
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by XV-1 View Post
    Hi Ked

    They don't manufacture the Olympus anymore, unless you already have one. J Carr told me the Atlas and Etna are better sounding cartridges. He is a straight up and down guy so no desire to hear the Olympus.

    That said, there are now SL versions of the Atlas and Etna .25mv output vs .5 mv.

    Myles Astor has an Atlas SL in for review. That will take a while while he extensively listens to it.
    I didn't want to wait for a low output (the .56 wait was bad enough), but I am very curious as to what you are hearing about improvements in linearity visa-vis the .56. Do you have any scoop?

  35. #35
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by FlexibleAudio View Post
    I didn't want to wait for a low output (the .56 wait was bad enough), but I am very curious as to what you are hearing about improvements in linearity visa-vis the .56. Do you have any scoop?
    I guess we will just have to wait for Myles review in Positive Fedback. He owned the Atlas for 3 years so will be well placed to give his opinion.

    personally I don't feel any cartridge envy not having the SL
    Source: Technics SP10mk3 - Thales Simplicity II, TW Raven AC-3 - Graham Phantom, SME 3012-R, Exclusive P3,,Linn LP12 - Naim ARO
    Cartridges: Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Lyra Etna SL, Lyra Delos, Dynavector XV-1s,Technics EPC100mk4, Ortofon A90, GM Royal, GM Classic, Denon ESC'd 103R, DL-S1, Audio Technica AT25, OC9II, Linn ESC'd Troika
    Phono Stage: Phasemation EA-1200, Accuphase C-37,TW Acustik phono
    EQ: ​DEQX HDP-4
    Preamp: D'Agostino HD, conrad johnson GAT,
    Amps: conrad johnson teflon premier 8a's, D'Agostino Momentum S250
    Speakers: Wilson Maxx3

  36. #36
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by XV-1 View Post
    I guess we will just have to wait for Myles review in Positive Fedback. He owned the Atlas for 3 years so will be well placed to give his opinion.

    personally I don't feel any cartridge envy not having the SL

    Very hard to conceive it will be an improvement. Can't think of a better source for info than Myles given his Lyra history and fine set of ears.

  37. #37
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    The Etna is certainly in the top tier.
    I'd vote for the AMG Teatro and the Dynavector 20X2L as the best values. I could be happy with either one.
    Bill

    Shindo Giscours
    Shindo Western Electric 300b
    Shinoo Petite Latour (FC)
    AMG Viella V12 Etna (Erodion) and Teatro (Bob's Sky @ 1:20)
    Lumin S1



    Devialet 200
    Aries
    Harbeth C7




  38. #38
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    My Lyra Delos just arrived after an 11 month wait...excited to install it next weekend. If I had more budget would have bought a Proteus
    Brinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12

  39. #39
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Keith, I own a Kleos. But for the money the Delos is better. I had a Delos in my system before i bought the Kleos, and to be honest I'm not so sure the Delos isn't better.

    The Delos is VERY underrated !!!!!
    Mark


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  40. #40

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    I haven't seen the Benz LPS mentioned yet, has it fallen from grace? A while back everyone wanted one.

  41. #41
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    I haven't seen the Benz LPS mentioned yet, has it fallen from grace? A while back everyone wanted one.
    It's a great cartridge, however, it's also one of the heaviest and a PITA to work with and certainly not a fit for all arms. Sonically however, it's very lush, warm and romantic.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  42. #42

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    I haven't seen the Benz LPS mentioned yet, has it fallen from grace? A while back everyone wanted one.
    IMO the LPs hasn't fallen, its still a top tier cartridge......I own 50 plus cartridges and would be sad if I didn't own a LPs. People are just chasing some of the newer offerings at the moment.
    Dealer / Manufacture Disclosure:

    Jeff Whitlock
    A/V Solutions / Unity Audio Design
    www.avsolutionsca.com

    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  43. #43
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Hey Jeff. Was thinkin about you. I only got 1 TBD left. Wanna start a new thread and talk about it?

  44. #44
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by FlexibleAudio View Post
    Hey Jeff. Was thinkin about you. I only got 1 TBD left. Wanna start a new thread and talk about it?
    Kronos or bust! Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
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  45. #45
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by XV-1 View Post
    Hi Ked

    They don't manufacture the Olympus anymore, unless you already have one. J Carr told me the Atlas and Etna are better sounding cartridges. He is a straight up and down guy so no desire to hear the Olympus.

    That said, there are now SL versions of the Atlas and Etna .25mv output vs .5 mv.

    Myles Astor has an Atlas SL in for review. That will take a while while he extensively listens to it.
    Hi,

    I see you have many cartridges: Lyra Atlas, Delos, Dynavector XV-1s, Ortofon A90, GM Royal, GM Classic, Technics EPC100mk4, Denon ESC'd 103R, DL-S1, Audio Technica AT25, OC9II, Linn ESC'd Troika.

    I would know if you can do a hit for all your cartridges, please ?
    I am interesting because I have an Audio Technica OC9III.

    I have Shure V 15 type V MR and Ortofon X1-MC and X3MC.

    So I prefer:
    AT OC9MLIII
    Shure V 15 (sold)
    X3MC
    X1MC (sold)

    I hesitate to buy ART 9.

    Thank you very much.
    Marantz SA7S1/GRIMM AUDIO CC1/MARK LEVINSON 360S+TECHNICS SL1210 MKII/ORTOFON X1-MC/VPI CLASSIC 3 in rosewood/Audio-Technica ART-9/ESOTERIC E03+TAG MC LAREN T32R+JEFF ROWLAND CORUS+JEFF ROWLAND MODEL 625+Magnepan 3.7i+Cables line: all Furutech lineflux+power cord DIY

  46. #46
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    Keith, I own a Kleos. But for the money the Delos is better. I had a Delos in my system before i bought the Kleos, and to be honest I'm not so sure the Delos isn't better.

    The Delos is VERY underrated !!!!!
    I agree. I prefer the Delos over the Kleos. The Delos has life whereas the Delos in comparison seems overly subdued/smooth.

    IME, the issue with warm sounding carts like low-mid level Koetsu, Benz, Miyabe, Shelter and alike is their syrup over time gets too obvious that you can hear it overlaying almost all the music you play. Open,transparent and neutral carts for me.





    Source: Technics SP10mk3 - Thales Simplicity II, TW Raven AC-3 - Graham Phantom, SME 3012-R, Exclusive P3,,Linn LP12 - Naim ARO
    Cartridges: Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Lyra Etna SL, Lyra Delos, Dynavector XV-1s,Technics EPC100mk4, Ortofon A90, GM Royal, GM Classic, Denon ESC'd 103R, DL-S1, Audio Technica AT25, OC9II, Linn ESC'd Troika
    Phono Stage: Phasemation EA-1200, Accuphase C-37,TW Acustik phono
    EQ: ​DEQX HDP-4
    Preamp: D'Agostino HD, conrad johnson GAT,
    Amps: conrad johnson teflon premier 8a's, D'Agostino Momentum S250
    Speakers: Wilson Maxx3

  47. #47
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Thank you very much!
    Best regards
    Marantz SA7S1/GRIMM AUDIO CC1/MARK LEVINSON 360S+TECHNICS SL1210 MKII/ORTOFON X1-MC/VPI CLASSIC 3 in rosewood/Audio-Technica ART-9/ESOTERIC E03+TAG MC LAREN T32R+JEFF ROWLAND CORUS+JEFF ROWLAND MODEL 625+Magnepan 3.7i+Cables line: all Furutech lineflux+power cord DIY

  48. #48
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    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    I've been hearing some good things about the VAS Nova. Mr VPI (Harry) noted " I use it in the KEF Blade room, one of my reference systems, and exchange it with the Atlas but 90% of the time the VAS is on the Avenger,".
    2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)

  49. #49

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    My last purchase
    Air Tight PC-1, Air Tight PC-3

  50. #50

    Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values

    Quote Originally Posted by XV-1 View Post
    I agree. I prefer the Delos over the Kleos. The Delos has life whereas the Delos in comparison seems overly subdued/smooth.

    IME, the issue with warm sounding carts like low-mid level Koetsu, Benz, Miyabe, Shelter and alike is their syrup over time gets too obvious that you can hear it overlaying almost all the music you play. Open,transparent and neutral carts for me.





    I agree a great Cartridges!

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