2. analog
  3. 135942-98541

Cartridge Recommendations

Would appreciate cartridge recommendations for the following analog setup:

Spiral Groove SG-1
Graham Phantom I 
Herron VTPH-2
Korneff 76 Pre
Korneff 45 Monos
Klipschorn and Accouta 115 with Lowther PM2A

I typically listen to jazz, soul, world, folk, a range of vocals, and I have a sweet spot for early 80s punk and the latest stylings of music I have a hard time labeling, like the Fleet Foxes and Sufjan Stevens. I appreciate immediacy in the music and am not seeking an analytic sound. I'm considering new cartridges less than 3K.

I'd appreciate hearing about which cartridges have worked for you in this or similar setup.  Thanks.

diaspora
diaspora OP
13 posts
 
Dsholl1 — is the “brutally neutral” cadenza black fatiguing? Or too honest with each disc? Or too ascetic and analytic?
dsholl1
99 posts
 
Absolutely not fatiguing just don’t find that I am engaged in the music as much. To me (don’t flame me people) I find it a cerebral cartridge whereas the Red is more visceral and fun sounding. 


solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
Sub $3k for a new cart, in today's dollars, is a bit below the potential of the rest of your very fine equipment. Lightly used is another story...

It might help to mention what you were running and how it did, both positive and negative...
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
Black brings more "high end" performance..closer to the Winfield   My Winfield cost 3k new.
diaspora OP
13 posts
 
@solypsa I just recently cobbled together this analog setup so I have no cartridge to compare in this system. Previously I listened for now several decades on a Thorens that I purchased new in 1982 using a Shure cartridge and feeding into a George Wright phono amp. You do pose the question of cost and my 3k budget is arbitrary, but set on the premise (which should probably be a question) that above that price Is diminishing returns. Not sure whether there is a sweet spot for price so I picked 3k 
More to discover