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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
2,654 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?
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,655 posts
 
Step up transformer. Here are a few!

https://www.needledoctor.com/analog/analog-components/phono-preamplifiers/phono-preamp-options/Step~...
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,654 posts
 

Can anyone suggest an alternate cartridge to the Sonata that is more detailed, yet good for classical? It can be a MC with transformer or any other type of cartridge in the $600-$800 range.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,654 posts
 
Thanks yogiboy for the info! 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,655 posts
 
You might look into a high output MC cartridge that you will not need a SUT! Here is one that might do the trick. You can return it if you prefer the Grado!
https://www.needledoctor.com/Dynavector-10X5-Cartridge
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