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Upgrade from Sumiko Blue Point #2

 On the market for a cartridge. Considering Audio Technica.A little confused on the product line up difference between at33 and oc9 series. Anyone have experience with the new oc9x series vs oc9 iii. I would imagine e few in the new series would be an improvement but not all based on the fact price points they cover widely. Looking to upgrade the blue point no2 on my Pro Ject RPM5. Looking for a bit more inner detail, bigger soundstage and overall sq, don’t want to give up warmth. Rest of system is Pro Ject phono ds, Levinson 380s, Levinson 334 and the late 90s kef ref model threes. I noticed the original retail of the oc9 iii was over 1k at one point and seems to spec better in channel balance and separation. The at33 series seams to occupy similar price points are the voiced different? Thanks for any input. Upgrading my phono stage to Pro Ject RS also considering Ortofon Quintet bronze or Black.
yankee6000
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
You were headed in the right direction yankee 6000. The Ortofon Quintet Black S is as much cartridge for the money as you will ever see. The other cartridge to consider in this price range is the Clearaudio Concept MC. The Ortofon is more neutral. The Clearaudio is brighter and perhaps more dynamic. Both are excellent trackers. They are both manufactured to a higher level of quality and sophistication than any of the Japanese cartridges in their price range. Look at the construction of the cantilever and the way the diamond is attached to it as well as the size of the diamond. 
lewm
13,785 posts
 
But I almost guarantee that the Clearaudio is made in Japan.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Thanx lewm, I have had several Clearaudios and they all say made in Germany whether that is true or not. If you look at the construction my comment holds. The Japanese are very capable of building fantastic cartridges. I have several but we are talking about a specific price point. All you have to do is look at the diamond and the way it is fastened to the cantilever. The goal is to have the lowest effective mass possible. Crimping the end of an aluminum tube and shoving a big diamond through a hole in it is not the best way to the lowest effective mass. 
yankee6000 OP
8 posts
 
I've read average life of a stylus is 1000-1500 hours depending on how well you take care of it. Brushing after every side keeping records clean and not playing worn questionable condition records. Is this a pretty accurate estimate. Kinda effects what I am willing to spend. I do see a few deals on quintet bronze. Wondering if that would be a noticeable step up from my blue point no2.
agrippa
160 posts
 
I have had several Clearaudios and they all say made in Germany whether that is true or not.
There’s no need for the cartridge to be made in Germany even if it says so. It is enough that *something* has been done to the cartridge in Germany and the "Made in Germany" imprint is perfectly legitimate.

This kind of thing is entirely standard in pretty much every industry (fashion, horology, cars, whatever) and perfectly legal despite also being perfectly dishonest.
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