If you could have any cartridge

Mark Jones

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What would you choose, money no object.

I'll go first, not because its my fav but because I have never heard one,

The Lyra Atlas.
 
I think the Anna is still my fav as long as its used with a high gain quiet phono-stage, being only .2mv
 
Maybe after I send my recently busted Coralstone in for a new rebuild, I should go for a one piece diamond cantilever/stylus....that would be my dream cart..alas the stock boron one that I broke costs $4,500.00.
 
What would you choose, money no object.

I'll go first, not because its my fav but because I have never heard one,

The Lyra Atlas.

+1 as I already have one and it took awhile to get they are in short supply very nice cartridge . Only so many can be made it is one guy doing the Atlas the other models are done by others but I have been told only one person is building the Atlas. I have no proof just what I was told. If you want one you may have a long wait. Best I have heard thou I not heard the other front runners.
 
I am listening to Goldfinger statement thru kondo SUT into air tight ate 2001 MM and there is something other worldly about the sound. Just ran it into air tight ate 2001 MC and into arc ref2se MC and the kondo sut into air tight is the best to my ears. Not as dramatic and large as thru the arc ref2se but something beguiling about the sound.

I redid my system set up today. Lots of sweating. Since I sold my arc ref 40 i had chance to put air tight preamp in its place. With new Stillpoint ultra 5s underneath. And Stillpoint ultras under power supply. Deathly quiet. I was surprised. Lowered needle just to make sure I had a signal going.
aqynuqu6.jpg
 
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I am listening to Goldfinger statement thru kondo SUT into air tight ate 2001 MM and there is something other worldly about the sound. Just ran it into air tight ate 2001 MC and into arc ref2se MC and the kondo sut into air tight is the best to my ears. Not as dramatic and large as thru the arc ref2se but something beguiling about the sound.

I redid my system set up today. Lots of sweating. Since I sold my arc ref 40 i had chance to put air tight preamp in its place. With new Stillpoint ultra 5s underneath. And Stillpoint ultras under power supply. Deathly quiet. I was surprised. Lowered needle just to make sure I had a signal going.
aqynuqu6.jpg

Beautiful Darrin. Agree with you about the Benz Micro LP-S.


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Prolly Lyra Atlas/Etna at one end of the spectrum to a Koetsu Jade/Urushi Red on the other end of the spectrum. But top end Lyra and toppish end Koetsu would be my pick(s) :D
 
my choice is the Ortofon MC Anna which is what I use (for the last 2 years).....as others have also mentioned. it never fails to get to the heart of the music, whatever the style. and as I've fine tuned the surrounding gear I've not yet reached any sort of limit to it's upside. the information comes from the Anna complete for the downstream bits to take full advantage of.

I do think it's unique SLM (selective laser melting) titanium construction process and magnet design allows for mechanical refinement on a level beyond other cartridges.

I'm guessing there are a few other cartridges which could also float my boat were I to spend quality time to discover their charms.
 
since i never lived with anything better than my present cartridge. which i love. but ive heard most of the big boys. some several times. i think the mc anna would be my choice. some one said in a previous thread i remember, that it has soul. and that is great description.
but truth be told id take any one if they were free.lmao!!!
 
Those wishing for a Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement should go for it. It really is worth it. You only live once. Speak to your dealer about the Clearaudio upgrade program. Your dealer may also be able to help you with price.

The cart is the most important element IMO. You don't need an over the top table engineered by NASA to get the best out of this cart.


GFS-8495-2.jpg
 
I'm an MC Anna man. Own one, never heard anything better. But I'd like to give a little love to one of my other cartridges. The Transfiguration Proteus is extremely nice. Its only one small step (system dependent) behind the big hitters. It is my first recommendation in the bang for the buck sweepstakes. Myles where is the review already?????
 
+1
My Goldfinger Statement is scheduled to be delivered in 2 months...an Ikeda Kai in a month

Those wishing for a Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement should go for it. It really is worth it. You only live once. Speak to your dealer about the Clearaudio upgrade program. Your dealer may also be able to help you with price.



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Lyra and transfiguration carts work so well in the Phantom any one of them would be my choice. when curiosity gets the best of me id like to try the Ortofon Anna and VDH Colibri in my system.
 
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