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Class "A" phono cartridge discussion.

I would like to have a discussion about what cartridges are class A. Stereophile has their list but I can't help thinking there is probably a lot left out.

Last year I traded my Delos for a used EMT TSD15 because the TSD 15 was listed as class A in Stereophile. I love the TSD 15. It is the best cartridge I have heard. But I will probably have to re tip it soon. $1250 for a re tip is expensive but I will be able to do it when I have to. Moving to anything else from here is just too cost prohibitive. Three to ten thousand for a class A cartridge is just probably not going to happen. Although Miyajima sounds enticing to me. Maybe some day. The funny thing about the TSD 15 is it has been around for decades and I'd never really heard much about it until recently.

 I'm curious if there are other classic cartridges that are class A that can be had for less than the upper echelon price? Maybe we can start a list.

The funny thing about the Stereophile list is that you have to go to a $7000 Lyra, $4800 Sound smith for Class A in those brands. There are currently no ZYX, no Dynavectors and no Shelters on the list despite being popular brands.

I do have a ZYX Yatra and had a Delos. The TSD 15 is better than both. 
siranthony
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I'd like to interject my choice, which is a Zu Denon 103R, which has had ESCCO's white sapphire cantilever/Paratrace stylus mod. At under a thousand dollars in this state (it probably isn't expensive enough to be included for many people), I find it fares well in comparison to some of the better (more expensive) cartridges I've heard.

Even if it's judged to not be in the running for whatever reasons there may be, it's still a great cartridge, and worth having in its own right. Recommended.

Regards,
Dan
team212
250 posts
 
I Agree with the Poster the EMT is one of the great MC's
 ditto comment on the Goldfinger it is overpriced and should be Class B--it is too edgy to my ears-- I'd sooner a Jan Allaerts there
it is a far superior cart to some mentioned
The Madake is the jewel in the listing in my opinion
Good luck in quest

D
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
I'm very happy with my AT ART-9. I feel no need to spend more. And yes, I have had cartridges that cost three + times as much. 
pani
1,219 posts
 
The ART-9 in my system has beaten some very well regarded $4-$5k cartridges. I have also heard the TSD-15 many times, in different systems but not my own system. The commonality between the TSD-15 and ART-9 is both of them are very lively and dynamic. I prefer the ART-9 because it is more refined than the TSD and also it is more neutral. It times better than the TSD. The TSD does not dissappear, you always hear it. But the ART-9 disappears.
siranthony OP
16 posts
 
Lewm, I wouldn't leave anything out unless it is unobtanium.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Keep them comming.
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