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March 2, 2016, 10:46 AM #1
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 EminentMy 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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March 2, 2016, 11:22 AM #2
- Join Date
- Sep 2014
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- 766
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March 2, 2016, 11:24 AM #3
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 StylusAvanti 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
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March 2, 2016, 11:28 AM #4
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
“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.
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March 2, 2016, 11:58 AM #5
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
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
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March 2, 2016, 11:59 AM #6
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
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March 2, 2016, 11:59 AM #7
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
“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.
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March 2, 2016, 12:01 PM #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.
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March 2, 2016, 12:29 PM #9
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.
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March 2, 2016, 06:38 PM #10
- Join Date
- Feb 2015
- Posts
- 91
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 postsSpeakers: 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
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March 2, 2016, 06:56 PM #11
- Join Date
- Feb 2015
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- 91
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
Now I am somebody. Post #11 :-)
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
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March 2, 2016, 07:23 PM #12
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.
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March 2, 2016, 10:06 PM #13
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
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
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March 3, 2016, 12:03 AM #14
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- Feb 2014
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- 1,861
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.)
Speakeasy
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March 3, 2016, 03:44 PM #15
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
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.
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March 3, 2016, 03:58 PM #16
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.
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March 3, 2016, 05:07 PM #17
- Join Date
- Apr 2015
- Location
- Long Island, NY
- Posts
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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.
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March 3, 2016, 05:33 PM #18
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
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]
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March 3, 2016, 07:16 PM #19
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
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
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March 3, 2016, 07:36 PM #20
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
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March 3, 2016, 07:55 PM #21
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
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March 6, 2016, 04:53 PM #22
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.
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April 5, 2016, 11:33 AM #23
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- Jan 2015
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- 181
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.
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April 5, 2016, 11:53 AM #24
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April 5, 2016, 11:57 AM #25
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
double post
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April 5, 2016, 03:27 PM #26
- Join Date
- Jan 2015
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- 181
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.
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April 5, 2016, 05:32 PM #27
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
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.
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April 5, 2016, 06:05 PM #28
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
cheersSource: 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
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April 5, 2016, 07:35 PM #29
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
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April 5, 2016, 10:54 PM #30
- Join Date
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- Chicago
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April 6, 2016, 04:07 AM #31
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April 6, 2016, 06:06 AM #32
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
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
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April 6, 2016, 08:50 AM #33
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- Nov 2014
- Location
- Phoenix, AZ
- Posts
- 49
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 301Jim 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
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April 6, 2016, 11:33 AM #34
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- Mar 2014
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- Chicago
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April 6, 2016, 05:52 PM #35
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
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
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April 6, 2016, 06:37 PM #36
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- Mar 2014
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- Chicago
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April 6, 2016, 07:49 PM #37
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
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April 10, 2016, 08:48 PM #38
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- Jan 2014
- Location
- Los Angeles
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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
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April 11, 2016, 09:20 PM #39
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
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
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April 11, 2016, 09:43 PM #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.
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April 11, 2016, 10:13 PM #41
Re: 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/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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April 11, 2016, 10:20 PM #42
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
Dealer / Manufacture Disclosure:
Jeff Whitlock
A/V Solutions / Unity Audio Design
www.avsolutionsca.com
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April 11, 2016, 10:25 PM #43
- Join Date
- Mar 2014
- Location
- Chicago
- Posts
- 1,234
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?
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April 11, 2016, 10:27 PM #44
Re: 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/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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April 11, 2016, 11:56 PM #45
- Join Date
- Oct 2015
- Location
- FRANCE
- Posts
- 353
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
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
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April 12, 2016, 02:59 AM #46
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
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
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April 12, 2016, 06:37 PM #47
- Join Date
- Oct 2015
- Location
- FRANCE
- Posts
- 353
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
Thank you very much!
Best regardsMarantz 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
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April 13, 2016, 07:59 PM #48
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)
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June 26, 2016, 03:51 PM #49
- Join Date
- Jun 2016
- Posts
- 4
Re: Top Tier Cartridges, Sleepers and Amazing Values
My last purchase
Air Tight PC-1, Air Tight PC-3
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June 26, 2016, 04:05 PM #50
- Join Date
- Jun 2016
- Posts
- 4
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Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
Terrific!
Clarisys Audio Studio Plus Install...