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Mono cartridge recommendation

Ok, so tomorrow, my TNT will be getting a new baby brother.  I'd like to get a mono cartridge for it, my budget for now is up to $1K, less is better but not strictly necessary.

I'm open to MC, MI, or MM carts, but I generally prefer MCs. My Herron VTPH-2A can handle pretty much anything. I also have a few SUTs too to play around with. 

I tend to gravitate toward extremely neutral cartridges, so that's a consideration. I know everyone's system is different and will have different opinions on what constitutes neutral.

I have a couple of tonearms of various masses, so matching shouldn't be an issue. I've seen ATs, Hanas, Ortofons, and a few others in that range, but I don't have an opportunity to audition any of them before purchase.

My system:
Phono preamp: Herron VTPH-2A
Preamp:  Balanced Audio Technology VK-30SE
Amp:  Bryston 4B SST2
Speakers Magnepan 1.7i
Among other things...

I'm hoping the collective intelligence of the group will help me find a good match. So, what are your impressions of various mono cartridges in this price range?
vinylzone
vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
 I have a Grado woodie stereo.  It's a nice cartridge, but it's a bit on the warm, lush side for me.  I use it on an old Denon table occasionally.
vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
@noromance Thanks!  I already saw that list, but it doesn't really tell me what the sonic signature of the cartridges are.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,610 posts
 
The List: If you rule out * and **, and then

I advise ruling out Line Contact, it narrows the list.

Next: Spherical or Elliptical shape, I chose Elliptical for modern mono grooves and older mono grooves. You gotta choose.

Next: tracking force? replaceable stylus? signal strength?

IOW, limit your choices by functional decisions, then: any sound differences among those fewer choices?
vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
I don't rule out the list.  I just have no idea what the cartridges sound like.  That's way more important to me.  I don't choose my components by a list of specs.  If I did I wouldn't need to post here or ask about the sonic signature of the cartridges.
flatblackround's avatar
flatblackround
279 posts
 
Sounds like you will be setting up two tables, one specifically for mono.  That is what I do since I have many mono albums.  I recommend you start with one of the less expensive cartridges.  I dipped my toes into mono with the Grado M+ and later the  Myajima Zero.  Improved timbre across the board and female voices are extremely well rendered.  Signal to noise greatly improved with true mono cartridges as Elliottb stated. The question is how deep do you want to go. 

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