So i went to my preferred dealer and listened to an Ortofon Cadenza Bronze on a Brinkman powered by the big Parasound into some Kef Blade 2’s and a phono stage I’d bever hears of before, etc. not sure I was hearing the cadenza alone, but it all certainly sounded good.
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?
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?
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- 82 posts total
Here is a post about Ortofon poor quality control, read it before you will buy any Ortofon cartridge such as Bronze or others. |
Hi The preamp you have will accommodate almost anything. In my experience the relationship between the compliance of the phono cartridge and the mass and rigidity of the tonearm is paramount. If you find a correct match moving coil cartridges eliminate one of the steps in conversion of mechanical to electrical energy and I generally prefer them |
- 82 posts total