2. analog
  3. 137273-89202

Grado Sonata Cartridge vs. Rega Ania

I recently listened to a friend’s new Rega P6 turntable/cartridge setup with the Rega Ania MC cartridge.
I was blown away by it’s definition compared to my setup. I use the Grado Sonata cartridge with a significantly modified RP3 Rega turntable, now roughly comparable to the P6.
Has anyone had any experience with the Ania cartridge? I’m seriously considering changing from my Grado MM to it after hearing my friends set. It’s output is 3.5 uV, compared to my 5.0 uV. I’m wondering if that’s too significant a drop in output.
I love the Grado, but I just don’t think it has the definition of the Rega.
Or, can someone suggest another excellent cartridge in the $800 price range?
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xrvpiano
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,475 posts
 
I had a Sonata in a Rega years ago, and found the cartridge musical, but short on definition and bloom.   I don't know the Ania.   I think I'd look to lots of different cartridges before settling in, if change is in the offing.
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
In my opinion....

Lots of carts in that price range smoke the Grado cartridge. Denon 110, ATVM750SH and Soundsmith Otello are three that quickly come to mind in the price range of the two carts you are asking to compare. All three are high output (or high enough to work in MM inputs).   

Can't pass judgement on the Rega, but suspect it is similar to other Rega underperformers.  There are other high output MC carts that will better the performance of the Grado.

I had a Grado Sonata and gave it away to someone who makes his listening decisions based on magazine review more than his own ears. He was disappointed in the Sonata as well compared to other similarly-priced carts.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

There is so much dependent on the music you like and what in music you listen for that determines which cartridge is best for you; therefore, it's not being objective when you blame the cartridge; especially when speaking of a high quality cartridge like the "Grado Sonata" that captures the soul of female vocalists.

Grado cartridges are not conducive to the music preferred on this forum for the most part, that's why they get such a bad rap here. The solution is to find a cartridge conducive to your music.

There are still too many variables to answer your question, but it's for certain that you should audition as many other cartridges as possible.
More to discover