Chakster, the article you sent wouldn’t dissuade me at all from purchasing product from Ortofon. At least not from my authorized dealer. That said, I’m not sure that’s the cartridge I want, even though I’ve owned their products before.
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
I suggest a quality torque screwdriver. Yep, I'm serious. My higher end Koetsu was disappointingly similar to my old MM until I bought one. Then it blossomed into Koetsu Magic. What did it do for me? Most importantly, both screws could be tightened to the same torque. That permitted me to set azimuth properly. A Linn engineer discussed this at some length years ago, and I found that his recommendations were right on. Now my MM sounds better too! |
As for stylus wear, I am sceptical. I suspect that the cleanliness of records is extremely important. I recall a study which indicated that the gunk in record grooves was equal parts fluff, grease, and diamond dust - pretty much an ideal grinding compound. Then I went ultrasonic for cleaning, which, as a bonus, made a big difference to the sound. |
Chakster, the article you sent wouldn’t dissuade me at all from purchasing product from Ortofon. At least not from my authorized dealer. That said, I’m not sure that’s the cartridge I want, even though I’ve owned their products before. We share something on here just to help people i believe, it’s up to you what cartridge do you need. I have NOS Ortofon MC2000 and it was amazing cartridge, still superb, it was made in the mid 80’s (high compliance MC, not for everyone with such a low output). Very rare model, admired by many experienced users on here. Regarding the new Ortofon: When cartridge pins on the new expensive Ortofon models fell off this is too bad, don’t you think so ? This is bad quality control, they are making too many cartridges. Your dealer will replace such cartridge with a new one? Are you sure? Another member who posted about this problem could NOT solve it with his dealer. Why not SoundSmith if you looking only for new cartridges ? Did you watch his lecture, have you seen the lowest mass MC in comparison to the highest mass MI ? The difference is huge if favor to the MI (even with highest moving mass which is still very low copared to any MC). Do yourself a favor: In this video after 27:00 timeline. |
Chakster, i have read and viewed a lot on the Soundsmith site. And I admire the company’s reputation. One concern I have is that SS seems overly dependent on one individual, at least for its better cartridges, and I haven't learned of a succession plan. Are you aware of one? That would be helpful to know. |
- 82 posts total