High output MC cartridges

@thehorn

 How's the Sony XL-50 stack up against the F-9 Grace?

Sony is rare and not so popular, you will not find much info about this model, but Sony is better cartridge, it has Boron Pipe cantilever while Grace F9 has aluminum (or Ruby if you're lucky). I have both cartridges, my Sony XL-50 is mounted on dedicated Sony Soundtech headshell made for this cartridge, here is the only picture of my Sony. 

It's not easy to find a perfect sample of Sony XL-50, the performance primary depends on condition. Since my Grace F9 and Sony XL-50 are both perfect i can confirm than Sony XL-50 is much better cartridge.   

Thx [chakster],

@chakster

One of these days I’m going to take your advice and purchase a NOS unused Shure VN5xMR stylus. I’ve noticed more and more NOS and used Shure VN5xMR styli come onto the market within the last year. I’ve had the opportunity to purchase the rare Shure ULTRA but not the high price money to pay for it. 

@tyray yeah, NOS styli for rare tip top cartridges is a must have, only with NOS original styli we can actually hear the great potential of the best vintage MM. But some of them are very hard to find.