Cartridge upgrade

If you would like to upgrade whithout spending too much then MM or MI path is the best, in $400-1500 you can buy some exceptional cartridges, mostly vintage ones (from the 70s/80s), but can be found NOS (unused). You already have an MC from respected manufacturer, maybe you want to try some killer MM or MI ? If your top is $1500 believe me it’s enough for the very best ones!

What if you want to upgrade phono stage too ? What would you like to improve ? This is debatable but I think that phono stage should be better than cartridge, and often, with the exception of vintage cartridges, this means at least double the price.

oh, OK so I am using a Modwright LS100 with a phono stage. It supports both MC and MM. It has plaenty of gain and is a good preamp. Im sure i can spend lots more to get better. I was thinking Clearaudio or Soundsmith? I think the Lyra cartridges are little too clear sterile to me. Prefer a warmer sound. I find MB is pretty natural if not the last word in detail.

Have you heard about Miyajima cartridges ? Models like Shilabe and Kansui ? They are not in your price range, but if you're looking for some organic sound then try them. 

I'm sure Fidelity-Research MC cartridges like Fr-7f or PMC-3 is what you have to check for the same reason if you have the right tonearm for them. 

Clearaudio cartridges made by Audio-Technica (with AT generators) if you don't know. The vintage AT-ML180 OFC is unbeatable, but very rare!  Victor X-1II is another vintage MM adored by many on audiogon, simply seach for feedbacks from many users. 

 

wow those are some rare carts! Seem like they are difficult to acquire so maybe something more mainstream ha ha