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vpi classic

First hello everyone ,I've been away awhile .

      I'm interested in upgrading my cartridge a Benz micro mc, my system is a moderate system by gon standard.
VPI classic jmw memorial arm ,Acoustic Zen adagios, Sunfire subs ,Nu Vista integrated, Musical Fidelity phono amp mc or mc with multiple mc settings . Acoustic Zen cables and speaker cables in a  acoustically treated dedicated room (16'x24' x10') .with more digital gear, but  this is my analog section.

      I am willing to spend up to say $1,500 ,but much to many here's discomfort I would spend up to say grand on a used cartridge from a solid gon member . I know so many here swap them like tic tacs . I know the routine of fears with buying used , that said I have made some great scores here. I'm looking for weight compatabilty ,sound and overall performance for the money.

Thank you all
Ray

128x128oleschool
tablejockey
3,887 posts
 
I have the same VPI Classic. Been using the Audio Technica ART9 for many years. For $300 dollars less, you can still buy the original version.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9.html

$300 more, you get a threaded body and hair splitting differences. I suppose it depends on your own ears/system.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9XI.html

The ART9 was a flavor of the month for good reason.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/pani-new-art-9-up-and-running?highlight=art%2B9

As mentioned the Kiseki Blue is also a great cart(I have one)if you can get it for the around the same cost, I’d chose it over the ART 9, but not at regular retail(over $2K) To my ears in my system, it offers a little more refinement over the ART9.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa56jg-kiseki-blue-n-s-brand-new-cartridges

big_greg
6,623 posts
 
@oleschool If you search, you can find some background on the Kiseki.  There are quite a few reviews. 

For point of comparison, I also have these cartridges (and a few others) - Van Den Hul MC Two Special, Hana SL, Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood, and Nagaoka MP-500.

The Kiseki sounds better than all of them by a fair measure - very neutral and detailed, tight deep bass, well controlled treble without any sibilance or added "sweetness", big soundstage and good separation of instruments.  Kron is a great seller and easy to deal with.  I don't remember how long it took to receive my shipment, but I think it was around a week.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,435 posts
 
@big_greg,

Thank you for your feedback. I am also shopping for a cart under $1K budget. I was ready to purchase the Hana S MC ($750) but then seller asked if I can stretch my budget to $1150, the Hana M would offer considerable uptick in performance.

I wonder how Hana M stacks up against Kiseki Blue?

@tablejockey - Thank you for providing the link. That’s a great savings over US retail.
tablejockey
3,887 posts
 
latik-

I would seriously consider the older ART 7 over all of them if the phonostage has 65db's of gain. More refined than the ART 9. ART9 being more of a value proposition over the Kiseki.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/ARART7.html
I own the Kiseki because of a once in a blue moon acquisition. Otherwise, too much $ for my wallet.

The Hana based on reviews, appears to be on the level subjectively as any other $1K cart.
big_greg
6,623 posts
 
@lalitk I have the Hana SL and it's a fine performer, especially given it's price.  The Kiseki digs out more detail and has better bass, but they are not worlds apart. 

I would expect the ML to be better than the SL, but have not heard it.  There are some threads here about it and a review on Analog Planet.  It sounds like a winner.
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