Cartridge Suggestions

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

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Joined
Nov 7, 2015
Messages
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Location
Wichita KS
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-cartridges/denon-dl-301-ii-mc-phono-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-cartridges/clearaudio-virtuoso-v2-ebony-mm-cartridge Price: $1100
Suggested multiple times by a vinylphil friend from our audio club.

* Dynavector 20x2-L https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-cartridges/dynavector-20x2-l-mc-phono-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-cartridges/Rega-Ania-MC-Phono-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-cartridges/ortofon-2m-black-replacement-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!!!
 
I have heard all sytems on several tonarms. The Dynavector is the cheapest to performance level.

The DL 103 is a legendary cart with awesome quality. Very good allrounder. The cart body is sometimes a bit too big.


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Randy Myers said:
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-cartridges/denon-dl-301-ii-mc-phono-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-cartridges/clearaudio-virtuoso-v2-ebony-mm-cartridge Price: $1100
Suggested multiple times by a vinylphil friend from our audio club.

* Dynavector 20x2-L https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-cartridges/dynavector-20x2-l-mc-phono-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-cartridges/Rega-Ania-MC-Phono-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-cartridges/ortofon-2m-black-replacement-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!!!
Click to expand...

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


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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.
 
Randy Myers said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.


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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


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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!
 
Randy Myers said:
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-cartridges/denon-dl-301-ii-mc-phono-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-cartridges/clearaudio-virtuoso-v2-ebony-mm-cartridge Price: $1100
Suggested multiple times by a vinylphil friend from our audio club.

* Dynavector 20x2-L https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-cartridges/dynavector-20x2-l-mc-phono-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-cartridges/Rega-Ania-MC-Phono-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-cartridges/ortofon-2m-black-replacement-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!!!
Click to expand...


The Dynavector would be my top choice on your list, the AT OC9 XML at half that would make a good addition to your list and beats the rest IMO .. The DL301 is a detailed smooth cartridge but i find it lacks weight and drive, best with an SUT , like the DL 103 ..


Regards
 
Yes ,

the upgrades are worth it, but like everything in HiFi very system dependent, a very revealing setup will make these upgrades worth While , also the Boron cantilever is a good upgrade. i do prefer this AT stylus to the Ortofons , but again is system dependent, how would you describe your current sound and taste ..

BTW , MC cartridges live and die by the PP more so than MM ...

https://www.hifichoice.com/content/audio-technicas-new-oc9-moving-coil-cartridges


Regards
 
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.
 
Jack said:
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.
Click to expand...

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


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Randy Myers said:
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...
Click to expand...

Randy ,

Im not questioning the quality of your PP , Im suggesting like everything else in audio , the PP matching to phono cartridge ( synergy not selectable impedance /capacitance ) is more critical for MC than MM , so different PP system will favor sonically different MC cartridges and less so on MM as you switch cartridges and PP around for compare .

Musical and smooth describes the DL 301 , but its a bit too smooth for my tastes , another great Denon option is a new or used DL103 with the soundSmith boron cantilever and stylus upgrade , depending on how you buy (New or used) this option can be as low as 550.00 and as high as 900.00 but its a different level of sound and punches very well above this class ..


last but not least is the quality of stylus alignment on MC carts , this is critical in how much if any adjustments are needed for azimuth alignment , how straight the stylus sits will make a big difference to the soundstage and ambient retrieval so make sure you take a good look here before mounting if crooked send it back for an replacement don't try to mount and adjust, AT tends to be good here but this is what mostly separates the under 1K carts from the very expensive models not the bodies ..

A little off is not unusual, hence the necessity for some adjustment ...

Regards
 
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