2. analog
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2021 J.A. Michell Gyro SE w/ Tecnoarm A cartridge synergy

I know the question has been asked before but the most recent thread I could find on topic was over ten years old and there are many new cart offerings since then. SO here's the question: In the range of $700-1500 what are some of the best suited low-output MC cartridges for the above combo? I'm looking for cart/arm/TT synergy as much as is possible at the price range. 
Thus far I've been looking at the Hana ML, which seems to be very popular, the Ortofon Quintet Black S (not quite sure about this one) or Cadenza Red, Benz Micro Wood SL and a couple Dynavectors; XX-2 MKII (I just missed a great deal on one here) and the 20x2-L.
128x128davedmk
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I can tell you I have listened to REGA tables and Thorens tables Audio Technica tables, tables from Project not there junk Im talking Xtension 10 with Clear Audio Ebony V2 MM. None gave me the lively,detailed,sound thats great for rock and roll and blues and jazz all together! Sure, some tables are awesome with Jazz and Blues but they are too laid back for say Led Zepp, Deep Purple, Black Crows ect.... This is why I love this table and Arm/cart combo! Everything I listen too sounds correct on it. And that wasnt the case with the others.
Matt
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
There are LOMC cartridges under $2k, but you need a mid compliance cartridge, the latest version of AT ART-9 for example. Dynavector cartridges are good, I like KARAT series the most taking in count your price range. I'm not sure why having same tonearm as yours makes anyone a cartridge expert in your eyes? Technically any mid compliance cartridge is well matched, the question is what cartridge is good for your ears in your system.     
davedmk's avatar
davedmk OP
5 posts
 
Matt, the Dynavector line sounds like what I'm after as my musical tastes fall very much in line with what you've described. The bulk of my vinyl collection is Rock and Jazz with a fair amount of Metal and Punk Rock, plus some Ska/Reggae, Classical, Synthwave and even a sprinkle of Hip Hop to round things out. 
If I go that route I'll likely go with the 20X2L, unless I can find a smokin deal on a demo or something. There was a brand-new XX-2 MKII listed here just today that sold for $1100 or $1200 that I missed. That would have been sweet.
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