MC cartridge and SUT reccommendations

aKnyght

aKnyght

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been off the grid for quite a while so haven't been active on the forum lately ...but i have been enjoying immensely the analog source i added two years ago. so much so that over time i would like to bump up my analog gear a notch or two.

to start, i have been researching a switch from my current MM to a MC cartridge and thought i would seek the advice of those here on which carts under ~$4k msrp to consider.

i would like any cart to compliment (rather than "offset") my all tube amplification ...rich/full/textured sound quality with as much detail as that will allow.

i have been looking at MC carts from hana, MSL, clearaudio and lyra but i am sure sure there re many others to consider.

...also, as my pre-amp only has a (quite nice) MM phono input i will need to pair the MC cart with a SUT and any reccommendations would be welcome.

thanks!!
 
I loved the Lyra that I have heard but I feel they don't match what you say you are looking for. I found them to be extremely quick and detailed but not to the point I wasn't enjoying it.

If you like your current Clear Audio their MC are better while keeping the Clear Audio sound.

If possible check out Benz. My experience is limited with Grado but that may be an option

Much has to do with what works with your arm as well I'm not the one to help with that.
 
Personally, I'd be looking at a Hana MC cartridge, e.g., an Umami Red or Blue. There are some in your price range for consideration.

Regarding a SUT, there's only one as far as I am concerned, and that's a Bob's Devices SUT. I use one for my Koetsu Urushi Vermilion as it's a very low output, only 0.2mV.

Bob's Devices Inc. Step Up Transformers
 
I have used a Benz - highly recommended. The needle is gone, I’m still looking into getting it retipped, traded in etc.

I have tried Hana ML - good too, a bit polite perhaps.

Currently running a Zu Audio MC, a lot more 70s grunt.

Sadly, all cartridges sound different with different TT, phono pre, and systems. Besides the fact that different people are looking for different things.

My favorite has been the Benz Glider SL. I really need to start trying to get it fixed.
 
Bones13 said:
I have used a Benz - highly recommended. The needle is gone, I’m still looking into getting it retipped, traded in etc.

I have tried Hana ML - good too, a bit polite perhaps.

Currently running a Zu Audio MC, a lot more 70s grunt.

Sadly, all cartridges sound different with different TT, phono pre, and systems. Besides the fact that different people are looking for different things.

My favorite has been the Benz Glider SL. I really need to start trying to get it fixed.
Click to expand...

Reach out to Peter at Soundsmith. They re-tipped my Grace Ruby MM cartridge, and installed a replacement cantilever and stylus that was superior to the OEM one.
 
I'll second 'Bones' affinity for Benz-Micro, I currently utilize a Gullwing and am more than happy. I've also heard and enjoyed a 'Hot Rodded' Denon DL-103, the longest continuously produced audio component in existence I believe.

Soundsmith would also be on my short list.

Regardless, compliance matching with ones tonearm should not be overlooked
 
aKnyght said:
i would like any cart to compliment (rather than "offset") my all tube amplification ...rich/full/textured sound quality with as much detail as that will allow.

i have been looking at MC carts from hana, MSL, clearaudio and lyra but i am sure sure there re many others to consider.
Click to expand...

Based on your expressed desires I’ll put in a vote for the Sumiko Paulo Santos Presentation MC cartridge. It’s a master of rich tonality with excellent detail retrieval. It’s a cartridge you can easily listen to all day without fatigue.
 
It is depending of your taste and your system.
I prefer ZYX cartridge.
I have an Audio-Technica ART-9 too...
 
If you seek a good balance of rich / full sound with detail, these are the cartridges that come to mind:
* Benz Glider & Wood series (Wood, Reference, Zebrawood, Ebony). The Glider and older Wood / Reference series may be discontinued but you can still find them. Wonderful musical balance and timbre on these Benzes.
* Shelter Accord (discontinued) - maybe the 901 Mk 3 is a good modern equivalent, but I had to cancel my order because of very long lead time. Their top Harmony model is leaner and more about pursuit of detail IMO. The Accord was just a phenomenal music lover's cart and I hate that it's discontinued ugh.
* Ortofon Cadenza Bronze - this one sounds like it's trying NOT to be a modern high end Ortofon MC, and I love it for that. Kind of halfway to a Koetsu.
* Koetsu will give you rich full sound in spades plus detail, but at a warmer overall balance than the above carts. Still my reference for a rich, full, vivid midrange.

The Bob's Devices SUTs are superb choices for the sonic goals you list. I prefer EAR MC3 or MC4 if you can snag one, but the Sky and 1131 models are very close to this. I do not like Lundahls.
 
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