cartridge to use with linn & shindo

Dear Timl: I like the Akiva and if you want for a change there are several LOMC alternatives in your price range.

I wonder if you could take a different analog source alternative that is IMHO a first rate one and at least with a quality performance in the same league that any top LOMC, I'm reffering to the humble MM/MI cartridges.

Don't be afraid to try it because its ridiculous very low price or its very modest look, are great performers:

http://cgi.ebay.com/EMPIRE-4000D-lll-GOLD-ORIGINAL-TURNTABLE-NEEDLE-/250627798441?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a5a94b5a9#ht_500wt_1182

http://cgi.ebay.com/Empire-EDR-9-Moving-Magnet-Cartridge-EDR-9-hdshel-/260599714039?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cacf410f7#ht_2778wt_1165

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ortofon-M20E-Super-MM-cartridge-M-20-E-Super-NOS-/400085013949?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d26ecd5bd

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=NAGAOKAMP050&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART

You can buy all for less than 1K but this is not important as is its quality performancwe.

With this analog source alternative you can be nearest to the recording due that the signal cartridge on your Shindo will pass for less stages/veils than a LOMC cartridge and in the other side normally these MM/MI are better trackers and this means lower cartridge signal distortions/noises.
I think you can't loose almost nothing trying this alternative and you can " win " with its quality performance.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Even a Linn K9 would sound better than a 6 year old old Akiva used everyday.

These are the ones I have heard work well w/ Shindo preamps.
Obviously, the Ortofon SPU's, one of which is a standard mount. Just FYI, it's called the Royal N. The EMT's, which you would need the A23 (Denon) High Impedance SUT. I have also heard dealers using Dynavector & Miyabi. I have heard of Shindo preamp owners using both Transfiguration and ZYX. The previous list is more from dealers advice. I use a Koetsu Jade w/ my Monbrison, and prefer it through my A23 (Denon) SUT over the direct MC inputs. All these choices are based on synergy w/ the Shindo, but I cannot speak for your tonearm.

Second the EMT/SUT combo with Shindo preamps. It is a superb pairing with my Shindo Masseto. I have the EMT on my Ayre-DPS TT and could not be more pleased!