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Cartridge recommendations under $2500

Since auditioning cartridges is so difficult I’m looking for advise on MC cartridges that should pair well with my equipment. I’m looking for transparency with a bit of warmth and I’m ok buying a low hour used cartridge from a reputable source. My equipment includes:

Linn LP12 with Mose Hercules, Cirkus and Ittok (Effective Mass 11.5g)
ARC PH7 Phono Amp
ARC LS25 MKii Pre Amp
ARC VT200 Power Amp
Raido C1.1 Speakers
Shunyata Alpha Helix Power Cables
Morrow SP7 Speaker Cables
Morrow MA7 Interconnects
Morrow PH7 Phono Cable

Some cartridges I’ve been researching include:
Ortofon Cadenza Black
Ortofon Cadenza Bronze
Lyra Kleos
Koetsu Rosewood
Koetsu Black Goldline
Hana ML

I want to keep the cost under $2,500 and I’m not in a position to upgrade the turntable / tonearm at this time. Oh...and my current cartridge is a Linn Asaka for what it’s worth.

Thanks in advance for your collective advise. I hope this is enough to get the ball rolling.
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dducat's avatar
dducat
40 posts
 
Agreed that the Lyra Kleos is out of the desired price range.  I have a Lyra Delos and from everything I've read, the difference between the two is noticeable, but not an order of magnitude higher.  I love the Delos, but it can be a bit bright without loading it right and it's very sensitive to VTA, VTF and so on. It tracks incredibly well and once dialed in it's an amazing cart that might be the best value for the price point. 

Plus, the designer (J. Carr) frequents the forums and his advice is invaluable. You might want to consider the Delos in your list. 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,017 posts
 
Both the Delos and the ML offer excellent value. I run them both on different tables/systems. Agree, don’t buy a used cartridge unless you know and trust the dealer very well. The Herron phono pre is super, but you have many other choices:-)

enjoy the music and the journey 
rushfan71
295 posts
 
The Lyra Kleos is outstanding IMO. Im running one on a VPI Super Prime Scout however it’s $3700. Loading changes are very noticeable, and with my Manley Chinook PS there are many loading options. A bit more than your $2500 budget.
Maybe try a Lyra Delos at $2000 as mentioned already.
I haven’t heard it personally but it reviews very well FWIW.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
How can anyone tell you what to buy?

Some people never heard anything better than entry level cartridges like Hana, some just don't have enough experience with different cartridges. Most of recommendations is like "buy this, because I bought this". 

With $2500 budged you can buy many brand new great cartridges that are not in your list like Dynavector, Shelter, Miyajima ... if you're looking for LOMC.  

Just do your own search, try to audition carts, for example Miyajima dealer in US can offer free trial (at lest that was an option few years ago). 
avanti1960
1,500 posts
 
the new audio technica art9 replacements, art9xa and xi are awesome for the money but sound best on lighter arms.
i have the ortofon cadenza blue which i picked over the bronze and black.  the blue stresses dynamics and neutrality of presentation.  it sounds excellent.  
if you want a richer sound the bronze and black are good choices, ortofon quality is tops.  
if you want a richer sound still then the soundsmith zephyr mimic star es would be a good choice.  
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