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Phono Cartridge for $1,000.

Currently have Clearaudio Virtuoso MM cartridge . Wanting to go to MC. Found a Hana ML and a Sumiko Blackbird on sale for $1000. I am using a Musical Fidelity M6 phonostage so it will handle all. Is it worth it to change? If so, which one? I live in the sticks in Alabama so listening is almost impossible. 
jsal3689
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
Agree, I have heard the Hana at three dealers I trust greatly and it sang at each place on widely different systems...
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
And its sibling, the Hana SL (Shibata low-output mc) for $750 is a contender for "best sound under $1K"!
gestalt's avatar
gestalt
190 posts
 
You may want to consider the Gold Note Donatello Gold in this price range. Review by Michael Fremer on Analog Planet. Another review.

I'm pretty close to Alabama. Feel free to give me a call.

Cheers,
Colin

Gold Note dealer in Nashville, TN
https://gestalt.audio
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
FWIW, I think the virtuoso is a great cartridge. Currently I switch between that, a "Heed (actually a benz), & a clearaudio concept MC. All have their merits. The Virtuoso is the best overall with the concept MC being the fastest, & the Heed having the most "liquid" midrange. Will probably be trying the ART 9 or clearaudio essence next. 
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
1,368 posts
 
If I'm not mistaken, the Clearaudio cartridges are made by Audio Technica. Whether or not the Clearaudio cartridges are better than the AT, I don't know.
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