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need cartridge suggestion

I am putting a system together and need some suggestions for a good moving coil cartridge for under $1500 (USD) to go with my Linn Sondek LP12 turntable with the Linn EKOS tonearm. My phono preamplifier is a Parasound Zphono XRM. I like listening to classical music almost exclusively. I have stacked Quad ESL 57 speakers driven by two tube monoblock ampliers and a tube preamplifier. All suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Mark Cooperstein
markcooperstein
lewm
12,858 posts
 
DV Karat is good, but 17D2 was superseded by 17D3 many years ago and now 17D3 is superseded by 17DX, which you can buy NOS with confidence. All three are fine cartridges at a reasonable price, except I guess the 17DX is bumped up in price.
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
I'd suggest the Ortofon Quintet Black, particularly since you almost only listen to classical music. It'll produce neutral detailed sound and falls within your budget. The Quintet Bronze (slightly less expensive) and Cadenza Red (a bit more expensive) probably won't match what you're looking for quite as much.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
second recommendation on dyna's - they are excellent

shelter and benz too...
helomech
1,645 posts
 
Checkout reviews of the Clearaudio Concept MC. 
boothroyd
365 posts
 
The discontinued Audio Technics OC9 MkIII
I believe there are a few available from online dealers.
Exceptional value & excellent tracking with your Linn rig. Smooth midband for Quads.
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