2. analog
  3. 1444460049

Wacky Question about cartridges

After 20 years without Analog Playback - I'm buying a turntable. My last was an Oracle mkII or III. Can't remember what cartridge though.

I've looked for some reviews/lists of 'hot' cartridges in 1993-1995 and am coming-up empty-handed.

I know that I had a Sumiko Blue point at one point but I also had something else - an MC - that was really an item at that time. I liked the Sumiko but the other one was brilliant.
Ortofon? Dynavector? It wasn't a Koetsu, Goldmund or Grado. It cost +-$750

The reason I'm asking is to help me choose my first cartridge in 'my new era'. Anyone old enough to remember 1994? :-) Thanks in advance.
lemmycaution
lemmycaution's avatar
lemmycaution OP
31 posts
 
I'm leaning towards a VPI Aries 1 w/JMW etc but your comments about cartridge choice mirror my experience esp.

"A great cartridge on an average table is significantly better than the other way around."

An excellent summary and 'mantra' -thanks.
chayro
3,024 posts
 
Lemmy - FYI, many knowledgeable analog fans believe the exact opposite of what you believe to be an excellent mantra. They would recommend a better table/arm combo and a more modest cartridge over what you suggest. A great cartridge cannot perform properly in a mediocre arm. But it's your money and you can spend it as you choose.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,517 posts
 
Chayro...lemmy says he will get an Aries/JMW...this combination would benefit from the finest cartridge without modifying the tonearm.
chayro
3,024 posts
 
I wasn't commenting on his particular choice of TTs. I've never owned a VPI and I have nothing against them, as I know some people do. Those arms are often love it or hate it with many. I was commenting on Lemmy's "mantra" statement. I wouldn't mount a Lyra Atlas in a Music Hall MM5.
lewm
13,519 posts
 
How will knowing what you bought in 1995 help you to choose a cartridge here in 2015? I don't get it. FWIW, Monster Alpha Genesis was probably made by some other company for Monster, since they were never per se cartridge makers. If you want to duplicate that sound, you might do well to do a search on the origin of that cartridge; possibly the actual maker is still out there. OR, you can try to pick one up in the used vintage market.
More to discover