2. analog
  3. 159622-93199

I underestimated the impact a new cartridge would have

Many in the community learned long ago to not forget how important the cartridge is in the overall musical presentation.  I am not saying I thought it didn't matter, but I was very pleasantly shocked in my recent upgrade.  With anything in life there is the law of diminishing returns.  As a frugal audiophile who primarily purchases used equipment I am looking for that sweet spot to put the brakes on for upgrades.  With all the extra time lately to enjoy the stereo I have really been investing in upgrades.  My table is the Rega RP6.  I am very happy with this table but was ready to try a new cartridge.  I have only had used cartridges for my 15 year vinyl life.  The original MM on my first table, an 80's model Planar 2.  I bought the RP6 used so the Exact 2 was original and used.  I later picked up a used Sumiko Blue Point #2.  This was a somewhat lateral move....sounded nice but didn't impress that much.  Later I took a chance on a Goldring Eroica LX that had the Soundsmith sapphire retip service.  This was a significant upgrade over the Blue Point.  I had that for about 3 years.  Our good friend on here, Kron's amazing deals had me very excited to make a move.  One of my audiophile friends recommended the BENZ so I picked up the SM as I have a tube phono stage.  Right out of the box it blew me away!  The soundstage became 3-dimensional.  The lead vocalists all took a step forward and the voices are so precise.  The overall soundstage is more detailed with all instruments and backup vocalists  more precise.  The overall dynamics of the sound improved across all frequencies.  It was by FAR the best $800 I have ever spent on my system.  I have considered buying another one just to store away as I will likely need it one day.  Of course it also makes me wonder is there something even better???  Of course there is, but finding it is the challenge.  No idea if this cartridge offers this result in any system or if it just happens to like ARC tube gear.  Regardless....my point of this thread is to encourage vinyl lovers that have an old cartridge that has kind of been forgotten, to do some research and consider an upgrade.  Happy listening!
Dana
dhite71
fdroadrunner
33 posts
 
I’m a budget audiophile like Dana, and all of the equipment in my system was used (Pioneer PL-600 -> McIntosh MX110z -> Yamaha M65 -> early 80’s Cornwalls).
I remember when I finally broke down and got a Denon MC cart, the DL-160, which replaced an AT440L, which is a fairly good tracker. The difference for me was immense, and I never went back. Unfortunately, they don’t make the DL-160, so once it wore out, I had to replace it with a Denon DL-301, which I didn’t quite as well. Since then, I’ve had Soundsmith retip the DL-160, and I can’t imagine how I could improve that without spending hundreds of dollars I don’t have.
teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
To help people get the fever, like they did in the pure analog days..we had to have ’budget MM’s that blew people away’. The kind that have the flavours, the hints, the smells... that made people realize that there was really something fabulous in those record grooves.

I find that some of the budget cartridges today are real under performers. Or, conversely..that we don’t have the choices we used to have, where you could find that mind blowing mid-low cost cart that really shakes things up.

It is also a problem of R&D and money over time. As in sales numbers. To get to the juicy mid level MM’s that really sing, the manufacturer needs volume.

Or... the situation needs some modern technology to provide a small time manufacturer with the opportunity to take some innovation and apply it on a small scale in a viable manner. And bring that quality of the analog audio market back. So people can get the opportunity to really understand what analog is all about.

On a personal note, I’ve been trying to get to that point, for over 15 years. And now, modern technology provides that ’chance’. So, Teo now does MM cartridges.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,477 posts
 
Dana, that is the hook, the thought that there is something better. How do you know what you are getting? At best it is an educated crap shoot as in your case you took your friends advice. 
What is the most accurate cartridge and what is the best sounding one are two very different issues.
I have 24/192 downloads and vinyl of the same material. I'll match volumes and compare. The Clearaudio Da Vinci and Ortofon Windfeld Ti sound almost identical to the download. The Da Vinci is perhaps a bit more dynamic and a tad brighter than the Ortofon. The Clearaudio Charisma which I just purchased is obviously darker, larger and a lot more dynamic than the files. I think it is safe to say the Da Vinci and Windfeld Ti are more accurate but boy when it comes to rock the Charisma is so endearing. When you listen to it doing The Red Hot Chili Peppers who cares if it is accurate or not.
Now you have an additional problem when you start liking different cartridges for different music. Two Tonearms? Two Turntables? Two phono amps? Are you going to change cartridges every time you switch genres? 
My best advice unless you are filthy rich is, ignorance is bliss. Enjoy your Benz  and stay where you are until it shows signs of wear then do your educated crap shoot again.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I started out in the 1960s and ’70s with MM cartridges including a top of the line Shure V-15


@kayleerex1

V15 wasn’t even a top of the line from Shure :)

Top of the line is Shure ULTRA 500 Series

..........

To all "specialists" this thread: 

People often compare a mediocre MM to some MC and for some reason they think they are done with MM, but they did not even try a decent MM.

Try the Audio-Technica AT-ML180 OCC (MM) and I bet nearly all your MC will be outperformed by that monster. 

On the other hand, some people prefer high frequency exaggeration and overall sound coloration associated with mediocre MC cartridges. Not to mention that after refurbishing process with different parts they goes far away from the original sound. 

And finally, there are exceptionally great MC, MM and MI cartridges. But to judge about MM/MI versus MC each one must buy and try many of them using best examples in each category. 

If you prefer a mediocre MC to some MM then most likely your MM is a junk. 

The situation can be totally different once you will find some of the best MM (not the most expensive) and will compare them to some very expensive MC. 





  

luxmancl38
580 posts
 
I recently upgraded my cart on my TT. I had a Dynavector 20XL2L and over a month ago my dealer installed a Dynavector Karat 17DX. This was a big move up. Detail much more defined. Surface noise non existent. Almost like a tape recording. I finally feel I'm getting the absolute best out of my TT. 
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