2. analog
  3. 181309-456

A cartridge with more bite, please and thank you

My Hana SL is a little soft sounding for the Linn LP12/Cirkus/Mober supchassis/Alphason Xenon MCS and I'm looking for some direction and insight. My phono preamp is a Supratek Syrah.

Thinking about Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, ZYX Ultima 100 and Soundsmith Paua. Anybody out there compare these? Heard any of them on a similar set up? Or, have other recommendation that would mate well?

 

I see a lot Ortofon recommendations for Alphason, the ZYX reviews well and Soundsmith is right down the river - I've enjoyed their lower models and like the rebuild concept and pricing. That said, best sound is best sound!

Oh, I'm also open to having the Alphason rewired - I'm not sure that's the biggest priority right now, but it's tempting...

Muchas gracias and happy holidays!

budburma
budburma OP
345 posts
 

FWIW, the Hana was actually a nice sounding match with my Thorens/SME M2-9..

rushfan71
295 posts
 

Consider Lyra cartridges. Dynamic, lively, extended frequency range, nice midrange, tone, and soundstage. Takes a little time to break in then wow!

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Increase the SRA (Stylus Rake Angle) by raising the back of the tonearm.

edcyn
1,876 posts
 

I agree with rushfan71 -- a Lyra.

budburma OP
345 posts
 

@dover, that's an interesting suggestion...I'm curious which arms might use the same armboard? Would you happen to know? The Mober subchassis and armboard are one piece, so there's that....

Thanks for the Paua insight - It's not surprising those are the catriidges I'd be drawn to as smooth and warm are pretty much  two of my middle names. I have a diagnosable audio sweet tooth and may have travelled out t the brink. With the Hana it's just too much of a good thing - even for me...I have some confidence that I could find the right cartridge, though.. I appreciate your guidance.

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