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Phono cartridge recommendations

I currently have a two Benz Micro wood M2 MC cartridges and I'm interested in trying out something different for one of my setups, perhaps a low-output MC setup.  My tables are a SOTA sapphire outfitted with an Audiomod 6 arm, and a Thorens TD-124II with an SME 3009 arm.   The new cartridge would likely go on the Thorens.     

I've heard great things about the Hana ML, but I'd love to get some of your opinions if we limit to the $1K-1.5K range.  
jensmunk
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Grado Reference 2. Top diamond, boron cantilever, choice of outputs, top tracking, company takes care of its customers. 

I now believe that for $2000 and under Moving Iron/Magnet cartridges rule. Over $2000 MC cartridges take over but really don't come into their own until $3000. If you like energetic music MM cartridges are more dynamic. You do not get this kind of horsepower with MC cartridges until you are spending big money.

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
https://gradolabs.com/cartridges/timbre-series/item/119-reference3
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,017 posts
 
Hi Jens : Jim from Progressive. I had Benz Ebony on the Basis and now have a Lyra Delos on Brinkmann and a Grace F9-e on the rebuilt Sapphire. Soundsmith is doing replacement bits for Grace. The Delos is fantastic:-) pm to catchup on life. Best to you in the northcountry 

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Perfect price point for either the Clear Audio Maestro V2 ($1200) this is the best MM youll ever hear. Also, the Dynavector 20x2L ($1000) is a .3mv low output MC which is fantastic sounding. I use the 20x2L on my JA Michell Gyro SE turntable with Manley Chinook phono stage,the results are simply excellent sound.


Matt M
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,017 posts
 
Jens I put a Hana ML on the SOTA  today, excellent cartridge 
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