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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?
128x128rvpiano
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,675 posts
 
Orpheus10,

My listening is mainly classical, and I know Grado usually works well, but unfortunately it does lack the definition I heard.
How do you audition cartridges in your system?
Who’s going to lend you one?
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,675 posts
 
I understand the gain on my Conrad-Johnson’s phono section is 47dB.
Is that strong enough to efficiently run an MC cart such as the Ania (3.5uV?)
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,735 posts
 
That is not enough voltage for the mm phono on the Conrad-Johnson. The output of the Grado is 5mv not 5uv. You will have to add a SUT to add gain for a low output MC cartridge. BTW, how do you know that it is the Grado and not another component in your friends system that you prefer to your setup?
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
I really like the older Grado signature cartridge. With an XTZ stylus it is beautiful. Real dependant on VTA & VTF, but once it's dialed in it sounds better than some very respectable MC's IMHO.  
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,675 posts
 
yogiboy,

Good question.
 It’s just that I’ve heard CDs on his system that we’re not that impressive.
And since our turntables are similar, I thought that the cartridge was the variable that is responsible for the improvement.
I could be very wrong, though.
What does SUT stand for?
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