Cartridges: Complete Scam?


I’m very new to analog, and researching my options on forums I keep coming across the same sentiment: that past the ultra low-end cartridges, there is very little gains in actual sound quality and that all you’re getting are different styles and colorations to the sound.

So, for example, if I swapped out my $200 cartridge that came with my table for a Soundsmith, Dynavector, Oracle, etc, I may notice a small improvement in detail and dynamics, but I’m mostly just going to get a different flavor. Multiple people told me they perffered thier old vintage cartridges over modern laser-cut boron-necked diamonds.

It’s possible that these people are just desperately defending thier old junk and/or have never heard high end audio. But if what they’re saying is true, than the cartridge industry is a giant SCAM. If I blow 2.5k minimum on an Air Tight I better get a significant improvement over a $200 bundler — and if just all amounts to a different coloration, than that is a straight-up scam ripoff.

So guys — are these forums just BS-ing me here? Is it really a giant scam?
madavid0
I use Dr. Feickert Analogue Protractor (Next Generation) to choose between Baerwald, Loefgren or Stevenson on different tonearm and this is a great tool compared to others i have used before. Not necessary to buy new to pay full price, they are much better priced on second hand market. For example another one that comes with HiFi Test LP is free. 
Dear @folkfreak : Yes, to mount any cartridge in his tonearm design. @folkfreak , this is not " rocket science ".

I own over 10 diferent protractors and as every one I spend money with and I spend money first because my ignorance levels on the whole tonearm/cartridge/TT alignment set up and second because almost all the manufacturers just were and are irresposables for say the least.

The real issue is not if you are satisfied with the protractor you use and that posted you like. The main and critical subject is that if the tonearm manufacturer makes what's is total responsability about you, me and every analog audiophiles do not need to buy any single after market protractor. It does not matters if the price is 100 or 600 or whatever.

That is the subject and we must not support any tonearm irresponsability or say: " I like my after market protractor. "

When  customers that are the ones that support the whole audio industry will say/shout to the all irresponsable manufacturers that are totally wrong?  when will be the day when we customers really be totally satisfied with an audio item where there were the necessity to buy an after market item to fulfill your needs?

Do you know when?  when we left to buy those manufacturers audio items. Is the only way, because they are seated in his comfort zone and very happy taking our money, because it's our MONEY.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
Dear @inna : """ I thought you cartridge guys would align by ear. ............ When using alignment tools, any tools, how can you be sure that they give you the best result ? Very uncool of you. And incorrect. """

Do you have idea what we are talking here?, seems to me you have not and if you think you know what we are talking here then whom is totally incorrect is no one but you.

If you think your statement is correct please tell us how did/do you ( by ears. ) makes the cartridge/tonearm overhang and offset angle set up?, because that’s what we are talking about and what mainly protractors does.

Enligth our day ! .

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
@rauliruegas surely then by this logic the tonearm manufacturer should also provide the following in the box with their arm
1) A fozgometer (or other azimuth setting tool)
2) A test record
3) A USB microscope (or at least an alignment block with a VTA grid)
4) An accurate tracking force gauge

Each of the above is as critical to setup as is alignment so why do you only expect the tonearm makers to provide the templates for alignment?
Most manufactures provide either the tools or the measurements or both needed for proper set up. Jelco, for instance, give you both and a nifty plastic gauge. Rega give you both, but alas, their gauge is made of paper.