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Cartridge recommendation for classical listening

I have a wonderful sounding Grado Reference Sonata cartridge which I love.  The only problem is, for many years, I have had a hum problem which I have investigated extensively but never found a solution for.  I know Grados can have this defect, and the extensively modified Rega P3 turntable I use can contribute to the problem
So,  I’m ready to give up and go with another brand of cartridge.
I listen almost exclusively to Classical music.  Can anyone suggest a cartridge under $1000 that sounds good for classical?
rvpiano
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,823 posts
 
Atmasphere,

You may indeed be right about the inductance and capacitance, but it was much easier to change cartridges.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,823 posts
 
Well, I just got the Clear Audio, and even without break in, the difference is very noticeable.  On some of my favorite records that were harsh with the Sumiko,  there is smoothness, yet no detail is lacking.  I can enjoy them again!
On good sounding records, there is a smaller difference, but the Clear Audio shines as well as the Sumiko, and there might be better bass definition.
More, after I listen to a great variety of records.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Welcome back to MM club, there is no benefits of HOMC over MM in my opinion. Glad you like Virtuoso.

My advice is to inspect your Grado stylus tip and refresh it if it's worn. 

I love my Grado TXZ so much and i hope you can fix your Grado Reference Sonata. Here is grado factory tour, very interesting. 
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,823 posts
 
I’ve listened to bits of  a great variety of records, and, so far, the cartridge has done a wonderful job on almost all, bringing out details I never heard before, and yet sounding very elegant and musical.  It is smooth throughout the tonal spectrum.
 I’ll report more as I listen to more repertoire.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,184 posts
 
You may indeed be right about the inductance and capacitance, but it was much easier to change cartridges.
Since you now have a different cartridge, but apparently also high output, the same rules apply. You might like it now, but if loaded properly it will get better. Here is an online calculator for discerning the loading values:
http://www.hagtech.com/loading.html
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