Thread: Cartridge Suggestions

I have been recently thinking about taking my cartridge up a notch. Since I have been out of the vinyl world for so long I truly don't know what to expect and if this range I am really going to even achieve a worthy improvement (in the $1000 range). Also, I can say I do not know what kind of sound signature many of these cartridges have so I am also hoping some members may be able to give me a general idea of what category of sound some of these give (warmth, sound stage, detailed, etc., etc.).

By the way, although some might think my table is very pedestrian, I really like it. It seems to be a very solid performer and should be able to take advantage of a step up cartridge.

Here are some that have been suggested that are on my list to research, and what I know about them:

* Denon DL-301 II https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-ca...hono-cartridge Price: $399
This has been suggested as a very good cartridge at a very good price!

* Clearaudio Virtuoso V2 Ebony https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-ca...y-mm-cartridge Price: $1100
Suggested multiple times by a vinylphil friend from our audio club.

* Dynavector 20x2-L https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-ca...hono-cartridge Price: $1150
No idea on this one other than I have seen several threads where it was brought up and suggested.

* Rega Ania https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-ca...hono-Cartridge Price: $795
Absolute perfect match to my turntable including a three screw mount, VTA, etc., not familiar, good things are posted in various threads.

* Stick with my Ortofon 2M Bronze; am I going to appreciate an improvement without going considerably higher? My vinyl sounds pretty darn good with an excellent sound stage.

* Buy another Ortofon 2M Black Styus https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-ca...acement-stylus Price: $576
I had one and it was noticeable improvement to the Bronze, but not by much.

* Audio Technica... not sure which model. Not sure how AT is now, back in the day I really liked Signet... so is AT as good as their Signet line used to be?

Of course other suggestions are welcome. Opinions on sound signatures, etc.?????

As always, thank you so much for any input!!!

The DL-103, is that a Denon?

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I have been recently thinking about taking my cartridge up a notch. Since I have been out of the vinyl world for so long I truly don't know what to expect and if this range I am really going to even achieve a worthy improvement (in the $1000 range). Also, I can say I do not know what kind of sound signature many of these cartridges have so I am also hoping some members may be able to give me a general idea of what category of sound some of these give (warmth, sound stage, detailed, etc., etc.).

By the way, although some might think my table is very pedestrian, I really like it. It seems to be a very solid performer and should be able to take advantage of a step up cartridge.

Here are some that have been suggested that are on my list to research, and what I know about them:

* Denon DL-301 II https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-ca...hono-cartridge Price: $399
This has been suggested as a very good cartridge at a very good price!

* Clearaudio Virtuoso V2 Ebony https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-ca...y-mm-cartridge Price: $1100
Suggested multiple times by a vinylphil friend from our audio club.

* Dynavector 20x2-L https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-ca...hono-cartridge Price: $1150
No idea on this one other than I have seen several threads where it was brought up and suggested.

* Rega Ania https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-ca...hono-Cartridge Price: $795
Absolute perfect match to my turntable including a three screw mount, VTA, etc., not familiar, good things are posted in various threads.

* Stick with my Ortofon 2M Bronze; am I going to appreciate an improvement without going considerably higher? My vinyl sounds pretty darn good with an excellent sound stage.

* Buy another Ortofon 2M Black Styus https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-ca...acement-stylus Price: $576
I had one and it was noticeable improvement to the Bronze, but not by much.

* Audio Technica... not sure which model. Not sure how AT is now, back in the day I really liked Signet... so is AT as good as their Signet line used to be?

Of course other suggestions are welcome. Opinions on sound signatures, etc.?????

As always, thank you so much for any input!!!

My 2 cents are that all the carts on your list are a lateral move or below, compared to the Cadenza Bronze/ Black.

Therefore:
a) stick with the Bronze, in case your budget is limited to 1K
b) to get performance up a notch try either the next-in-line Dynavector xx-2 MC or Lyra Delos - both at about 2K


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have the 2M Bronze/Black. The Cadenza is a large step up and quite a bit out of my current price range ($2309/$2729). So compared to my 2M Bronze, or Black would you still suggest that I would not really be getting an upgrade on any of these?

I am also concerned with the size and weight of some of these. The Denon DL-103(r) are heavier and require higher tracking weight while the DL-301 II is in line with the 2Ms. The Rega is also a lighter weight cartridge.

I liked even the Cadenza Red (the lowest ranking Cadenza) over the 2M Black. More detailed, more adrenaline inducing. But it's different - I can see how some might prefer the 2M Black. However the Candenza Bronze (and I presume the Black) is a good deal better - that move would not be lateral at all. But then you might need to dump more $ into phono stage (or at least a good SUT with existing MM phono stage) to do these kind of MC's justice.

My first "high fidelity" turntable experience was a friend's Scoutmaster with Dynavector 20xL and P75 phono (both Mk 1 versions). It was great, but I didn't have any frame of context other than it made me want to get into vinyl.

Other than that, if I were you I'd also look at a Shelter 501 Mk III ($1K or less from Japan). The older versions used to be heralded as giant killers, though I guess Shelter isn't marketing or distributing hard these days. The hype machine has been overtaken by the Hanas, bigtime. I've long been wary of anything being seemingly excessively hyped online, which the Hanas are now And though I haven't tried a 501, I have Shelter's top 2 models (Accord and Harmony) and I've been very impressed and satisfied by their performance. The Accord in particular, with its lowly nude elliptical tip, punches well above its price point IMO - I like it a lot more than even the excellent Cadenza Bronze, and feel it gives many Koetsus some particularly stiff competition.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I have the 2M Bronze/Black. The Cadenza is a large step up and quite a bit out of my current price range ($2309/$2729). So compared to my 2M Bronze, or Black would you still suggest that I would not really be getting an upgrade on any of these?

I am also concerned with the size and weight of some of these. The Denon DL-103(r) are heavier and require higher tracking weight while the DL-301 II is in line with the 2Ms. The Rega is also a lighter weight cartridge.

Sorry Randy, I misunderstood you have the Cadenza Bronze. My bad. My comment was based on that assumption.

In case you have the 2M Bronze/ Black, the Denon DL-103 might be an interesting thing to try. It is a classic and plays beyond its price range.

That also puts the Clearaudio MM carts back into the range, which also are nice.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I really don’t have a ton of vinyl experience but I have had a few of the cartridges being discussed.
Originally I had the Virtuoso wood which unfortunately ended up with a bent stylus. From there I moved to the Ortofon 2M Black which was different but I’m not sure it was really better. I made an impulse purchase of the Cadenza Bronze when another audio purchase fell through. Honestly I never really engaged with my vinyl rig until that point. It didn’t do anything to entice me vs. what I already got from my digital system. For me in my system the Cadenza Bronze was light years beyond the 2M black. For what it’s worth I was able to get a pretty good deal on a new Cadenza as well.

Now, maybe the system matching was a big part of why the Cadenza was such a step up, I don’t know, but I do know that from my experience I would hold out for something at or around this level so big was the difference to me.

-Warren


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you. That tells me that it is much better than the Clearaudio then because I know the Marantz comes with a Clearaudio cartridge in about the range that I would be looking.

I have owned the Clearaudio Maestro V2 cartridge and moved to the less expensive Hana SL. I felt there was definitely more energy and dynamics with the Hana. The Clearaudio was beautiful, but felt it a bit dark in tonality. I find that the KEF’s which both of us own respond well to a bit more dynamic source and lots of current for amplification. I’m been very satisfied with the Hana and it comes in a low output (SL) and high output (SH) version to match with the capabilities of your phono stage. Best of luck in your search!

I was always a huge Signet fan. The AudioTechnica is intriguing to me. How do you think it compares against the Ortofon 2M Bronze/Black?

Also, how about the microline versus the shibata?

Ok, so $100 gets the Shibata, $80 more get line contact. Are these upgrades worth it?

https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-ca...hono-Cartridge

Well I prefer more musical, smoother, sound stage. The new top Hattor pre-amp is going to be in by the end of the week and that in going to be warmer more musical, etc.

The SimAudio can be setup to handle all of these cartridges. Granted, it is not a top end piece but it should work ok...

Randy

A friend of mine on another forum both bought the Denon and the OC-9 at the same time to compare. In his system he preferred the AT and I preferred the Denon so we just swapped and he got two AT's and I got two Denon's. I was using Vandersteen Treo CT's at the time and he big Usher's with the Diamond tweeter so our preferences are different so it's like a.wayne said it will come down to what sound profile you prefer. I tend to the neutral to warmer side of things and my speakers and gear reflect that. It's gotten a lot of positive reviewer press I agree but the Hana cartridges also get a lot of praise by owners so I don't think it is "hype" and they are worth considering. Also your phono stage is more than up to the task.

Randy,

In the $1k range I also recommend the Dynavector 20X2H or 2L. I personally own the 2H (twice, the first one I buggered after 1 LP's worth of time with it) because at the time I only had a MM phono section and it worked beautifully with it. The replacement 2H that I purchased has maybe 40 burn in hours on it and I'm keeping it for a rainy day and just in case I bugger another cartridge and need a spare.

It is nicely detailed, full bodied, slightly warm and musical as heck. A gateway into MC carts IMO and what they can do better/differently than MM with texture.

Originally Posted by Jack

Randy

A friend of mine on another forum both bought the Denon and the OC-9 at the same time to compare. In his system he preferred the AT and I preferred the Denon so we just swapped and he got two AT's and I got two Denon's. I was using Vandersteen Treo CT's at the time and he big Usher's with the Diamond tweeter so our preferences are different so it's like a.wayne said it will come down to what sound profile you prefer. I tend to the neutral to warmer side of things and my speakers and gear reflect that. It's gotten a lot of positive reviewer press I agree but the Hana cartridges also get a lot of praise by owners so I don't think it is "hype" and they are worth considering. Also your phono stage is more than up to the task.

Thanks Jack,

I appreciate the input. I think the SimAudio will suffice for now for sure. I think the AT is more my sound preference. I now I loved the Signet back in the day ...

Randy

There is no right or wrong when it comes to cartridges it comes down to which "house sound" you prefer and goes best with your gear. I am not a big Ortofon fan especially the "modern" one but if you are then the AT would be closer than the Denon. I am a big fan of the Grado sound but unless things have changed with Rega motor shielding that pairing could be a problem and again a warmer and more "organic" sound to me.

The Hana ML may be something to consider, this has had a lot of press and was widely used last year at RMAF.

Retail is approx $1200, and I’m sure you would come close to a solid G


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Thank you to everyone for all of the suggestions and opinions. Your inputs are very valuable to me when trying to get up to speed on a new category. Even though back in the day I was well versed in cartridges, times have changed over the many years I was out of vinyl .

I have some considering to do now with all of the excellent input. At this point I think I am leaning towards the AT. It sounds like there are a few choices in affordable ranges that should give me what I am looking for.

Even though my phono stage is not expensive it does have a wide range of capabilities and settings; it should be able to handle any of these choices. As Mike stated, it is "crazy good", especially for its price range. It certainly has the adjustments for both MM and MC cartridges. I am not fooling myself in thinking it can play with the big boys, I know it can't but for my level it is ok for now. I am actually quite surprised at how good the SimAudio is and certainly would consider one of their step up models if I were to look at upgrading the phono pre-amp down the road.

We will see how it all comes together with the new Hattor AMRG version which is slated to arrive today. I am still amazed on how he sent it from Poland on Tuesday and it is slated to arrive on Thursday here in California. After this settles in I will decide if a new cartridge is in order or stick where I am at for now.

I noticed that one when looking at various options. The one thing that is very hard to determine is the height of a cartridge.... which ones are taller, which are shorter, etc. So it is almost a shot in the dark on which cartridges are similar in height to the Rega's. Audio Technica appear to be one of the only ones that list the size spec. Their height is 0.68". Obviously I don't know how this compares, but it seems on the shorter side??? Anything else is simply guessing by the photo .

This is one of the draws to the Rega's. Perfect VTA alignment and perfect overhang alignment because of their three screw mounts.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I noticed that one when looking at various options. The one thing that is very hard to determine is the height of a cartridge.... which ones are taller, which are shorter, etc. So it is almost a shot in the dark on which cartridges are similar in height to the Rega's. Audio Technica appear to be one of the only ones that list the size spec. Their height is 0.68". Obviously I don't know how this compares, but it seems on the shorter side??? Anything else is simply guessing by the photo .

This is one of the draws to the Rega's. Perfect VTA alignment and perfect overhang alignment because of their three screw mounts.

That AT-ART9 Dimensions 17.3 (H) x 17.0 (W) x 25.6 (L) mm

Hehe... the AT's are one of the few that actually list their size in the specs... 17.3 mm = 0.68" ... but what is the height of a Rega? Or others.... they don't normally list it... so how do you know how tall of a spacer is actually needed?

I believe the Rega's are 14 mm tall from one listing that I just found.

https://www.dynavector.com/pdf/20X2_emanual_v2.pdf

I got to hear various Hana cartridges at RMAF and they were all smooth and musical. One of the Hana's will be my next cartridge once I upgrade to a PP that can do MC.

I would also consider a Nagaoka MP-500. Nagaoka's tend to have a smoother slightly warm sound with excellent bass and good detail. I own an MP-200 and MP-150. Vocals really shine with them and they have a gorgeous midrange. The 500 would be my next cartridge but I am curious about MC cartridges.

If you can’t/don’t want to move up to the Ortofon Cadenza line, I also endorse anything by Dynavector in your budget.

Thank you so much for all the input.

It is so very hard to even understand different cartridges, let alone actually pick one out without having the ability of seeing/hearing them in action. At least back in the day there were a few stores to visit in this process .

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Thank you so much for all the input.

It is so very hard to even understand different cartridges, let alone actually pick one out without having the ability of seeing/hearing them in action. At least back in the day there were a few stores to visit in this process .

Randy, the best you can do is read as many reviews on the cartridges that you are interested in so you can get a feel for what they my sound like. Of course your gear will be different and will have different synergy but if the reviews are consistent then at least you have something to go on. Vinyl Engine is a good source.

I picked the Nagaoka's because I like a romantic, rich midrange with punchy bass and smooth and forgiving top end. They give me that. Just about every review I read was consistent with my tastes.

Happy Hunting!

Well after a lot of reading and considering pros and cons I made a choice. I am going to try the Rega Ania Pro, their newest cartridge. Now questions about settings on the SimAudio.

The Rega suggested settings are as such:



The SimAudio has:
Input Impedance 10/100/475/47k ohms
Input Capacitance 0/100pF/330pF/430pF
Gain Level 40dB/50dB/54dB/60dB/66dB

So I know to set the Impedance at 100 ohm and the gain either 60dB or 66dB. But what about the Capacitance?

Thank you again for all the input!

Capacitance not really important on an MC cartridge so just set it at 100. Also start with 60 db as that should be enough.

Thank you Jack. Very much appreciate the input!

It was a toss up between the value of the Denon's, the link to Signet for the AT's, and the made for the table of the Rega's. Rega finally won out because of the way they set the tables up for their cartridges and the deal I got from the service manager where I bought the table! He gave me a huge break on their newest cartridge! I could not resist.

Sounds good Randy, hope you like it and as you said really easy to set up. The last one I owned years ago had a reasonably good stylus guard too.

Hehe... it looks much better than the Ortofon guard. I will probably never live it down, but would rather be honest then blame it on the maid or cats .

Originally Posted by audio.bill

Congrats Randy, and I can confirm Jack's recommendations on your settings. Do be careful using that stylus guard, you have to be sure you properly align its top slot on the upper V guide to safely slide it into place. Enjoy it in the best of health!

I don't normally put the stylus guard on. I lock the tonearm in place and cover the entire thing with a large cover for normal use. I only put the guard on when the cartridge/stylus was removed and stored. Changing from one stylus to the other is when the mishap occurred ....

And I appreciate the input on settings. Back in the day, when I was last into vinyl there really were not many settings other than MM or MC... mostly phono stages were built in the pre-amps. Times have changed and I am continuing to get up to sped on each new area I move in to ...

The Rega cartridge arrived. I hate the stupid little wires ....

Anyway, got it up and running... so far sounds pretty amazing, but definitely needs some run in. I love the Rega on Rega thing...

I was a bit timid mounting the cartridge without being able to remove the stylus... but I got through it. That has to be about the worse thing in this crazy hobby.

So far, great bottom end, very smooth.... great sound stage which will only get better. I still don't like the idea of not being able to replace the stylus. The SimAudio seems to handle the cartridge just fine, but I did need to go to 66 dB gain.