Cartridge suggestions for SME Turntable

@jactoy,

Thank you for your post. I have used Hana ML with my Thorens TD1601. It is indeed a very sweet sounding cart. In upcoming weeks, I will be listening to few carts ranging between $4K to $8K, it’s going to be interesting comparison. 

I am also in a process of finalizing the phonostage. What phono you’re listening to with SME10? 

@jperry, 

Thank you for your feedback. I am trying to see if I can get the Benz LP S cart in for audition. The SME 309 certainly can handle carts between 6-17 grans of weight :-)

It can handle light or heavy carts, but you need to know tonearm effective mass to match your cartridge according to its compliance at 10Hz (not just weight of the cartridge).

^^^Noted. 

The Benz LPS worked fine on my SME 10 turntable. The counterweight was very close to the limit, and worked. I ordered the heavier counterweight. I can’t say it made a difference in the sound. Since then I have moved on and sold the SME 10.

I have my system posted here if you are interested

@jperry,

Thanks for the invite. I loved your system, very exquisite from the choice of gear to the room decor. Well done!