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Best Cartridge for $1000-$1350?

Hello... I have an RPM3 turntabe (Sumiko Blue Point No. 2) with a Tube DS preamp (Golden Lion tubes). Im considering upgrading the cartridge. What MC cartridge in the price range of $1000-$1350 works good with this type of turntable/tonearm and preamp? I listen to Classic Rock (40%), Pop (30%), Greek (20%), Jazz/Orchestra (10%). In order of importance: Sonics, Soundstage, Air, Musical, Detail, Frequency Response, I guess the holy grail. Hope you can help. Thanks.
deanshias
deanshias OP
81 posts
 
All these sound good.. But how do you know how well it works with a Project RPM3 arm and turntable?
jperry
2,453 posts
 
Look at the vinyl engine.com. They have tools to calculate whether the cartridge will be compatible with your tonearm and phono preamp.

Another approach is to work with a dealer, if you live in location with a good hi fi shop, who will help you with compatibility matching, and hopefully provide you with explanations along the way.

Hard to replace a good dealer with random advice from an online forum. You will get a lot of opinions here, some will be helpful and some not so much.

I am not familiar with your tonearm, but the website says it is suitable for a MC cartridge. No information on tonearm effective mass.

Best Regards,

Jim Perry
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
+1 on the Shelter; great cartridge!
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,780 posts
 
@OP,

Maybe your question should be...Which tonearm in a given price range...?
deanshias OP
81 posts
 
I couldn't find much on vinylengine. My question is really which cartridge would go best with the type of music I listen to (mentioned earlier) with this specific tonearm/turntable (Project RPM3) and cartridge character (mentioned earlier) in the price range of $1000-$1350. Its not the cheapest investment so want to make the best choice and everything everyone mentioned here sounds good. 
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