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Phono cartridge suggestions sought

Hi All,

 I am in the market for a new phono cartridge. I can run up to $1400 but would prefer not to if i can get the performance I want. 

I listen to predominantly Jazz on vinyl, though some rock, folk and classical also gets spun

I recently heard a Hana SL and Rega Apheta at a dealers—different decks, same room and system. Both sounded good although the Apheta was not as heavy sounding and at the same time sounded more “present”. I wasn’t really looking at the Apheta, but it was available to listen to. 

The room is accoustically live with lots of glass and hard surfaces but all sounds good. 

System: Naim Atom, Bryston TT, Parasound JC jr phono stage (so huge loading flexibility and gain up to the 60’s), Totem Acoustics Signature Ones, Transparent cables. Current cart: Denon 103r with 250 hours on it, so it is winding down. 

I have enjoyed the Denon. But wondering about that all elusive “more.”

on paper spec, nobody touches the Grados for channel separation, but not sure how essential a criterion that should be. Especially since I worked hard to tame some RFI from a nearby antenna and the Grados I have heard said are not well-shielded. 

Since my Totems only drop down to 45 Hz, I suppose absolute resolution on the low end could be sacrificed for other sonic goods. 

Ok, hive mind, what do you suggest?
dramatictenor
schubert
7,386 posts
 
OK , It was a bit in the face, dealer said would change with time which might be or not .More than most I really think a good cart can outdo a great one if it is set up perfectly and the great one is not .
It looked like the P6 had VTA  adjustment as well .
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
The Audio-Technica ART -9 is a great suggestion. The Ortofon Quintet Black S is another cartridge that punches way above its price point.
read reviews and get a listen if you can which is admittedly hard.
I would never get a cartridge re tipped by anyone but the manufacturer of that cartridge. You would never know what you are getting.  I have never had a cartridge re tipped and I have never worn out a stylus probably because another cartridge comes along that I want to try. Eventually you have a bunch of cartridges none of which are worn out. There are always two or three that you like best the others I give away. 
Vintage cartridges? I suppose you can rebuild them but technology moves on and I have no desire to go backwards. 
bukanona
174 posts
 
There is no new technology after Victor MC L-1000. 
So there is no need to look forward. 
 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
You should be getting more than 250 hours use from the 103. Get a bottle of Stylast and apply it before playing an LP side. Afterwards use a piece of Magic Eraser to clean the tip. This should extend stylus life considerably! 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
The venerable 103 is the Toyota Corolla of cartridges! A good daily driver that performs up to specs and is affordable! A good recommendation is the Hana SL with the Shibata tip ($750). A superior stlyus profile that will extract "more" from those tiny grooves!
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