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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
2,653 posts
 
Stevecham,

Thanks for the recommendations!
bpoletti
1,547 posts
 
@orpheus10 In my opinion....

I'm talking about accurate reproduction of the information recorded in the groove.  You're talking about colorations and distortions, masking of information.  I want to hear what's in the groove, not be romanced by some awkward resonances and lack of detail.

Of course, this may be exactly what you like.  If that's your opinion and listening preference, so be it.  My opinion and listening preferences differ.  We can both enjoy vinyl playback in our own way.

Happy listening.  
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,653 posts
 
I wrote to Conrad-Johnson regarding the feasibility of matching my PV 11 preamp with the Ania cartridge.  The response was as follows:

”Yes, 3.5 uV output would be sufficient to run PV-11.”

I don’t know how accurate that answer is though.

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,614 posts
 
@rvpiano
FYI, 350uv=.35mv. I can’t see how that is enough voltage for the mm phono stage of the Conrad-Johnson PV-11.
Maybe I'm missing something?

orpheus10
8,668 posts
 

Right now I have a Grado Master, which is a shade better than the Sonata. I had the Sonata and upgraded, maybe I'm now comparing what I'm hearing to the Sonata, but I'm very satisfied.

Most people on this forum don't seem to like Grado, and that has to be because of their choice in music, and what they expect a cartridge to deliver.

In regard to brands, I don't like really high definition cartridges; they seem to bypass the music. Of course that's within a price boundary, more expensive cartridges do both.

Raul, if you can find his thread, gives advice on how to buy and audition used cartridges.
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