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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
 
@millercarbon   
meh
andysf's avatar
andysf
269 posts
 
Of the ones you listed, I would go with either the Hana or AT.  With Ortofon I would want a SPU, arm permitting.
vinylzone OP
288 posts
 
@andysf Thanks.  Current arms won't permit, wishlist arms won't either.

Just curious, why do you feel only spu mount Ortofons are worth owning?
andysf's avatar
andysf
269 posts
 
I don't like the sound of the modern Ortofons.  Lot of people like the later carts like the 2m Black but it sounds too much like a CD to me.  SPU have a different sound that I prefer but I think they are all made for older original recordings with a 1 mil conical tip so not for everyone.  I like the Hana as well-I have a Hana EL that I like but never actually heard their mono.  Guessing it has the same general character.  
Audio Technica (like Hana) are good value for the price they charge.      Needless to say, this is all based on personal taste and prejudices.  I am sure that any of the carts from these three companies would be great.     I believe they are all true mono based on coil orientation.
hdm
1,062 posts
 
There is a lot of very good info in a couple of posts from Jonathan Carr in the following thread here:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/which-mono-cartridge-at-around-1-300-00

I use an AT 33 Mono that I had Steve Leung install a Namiki boron cantilever with microridge stylus on a few years ago and it is all the mono cartridge I'll ever need. 

It's grossly superior to the same cartridge with the stock aluminum cantilever and conical stylus-which is no slouch-on both vintage (mid 50's & up) mono and modern reissue mono. 

Would never go back to using a conical on mono records, old or new. Just too much information that is missed/lost in translation. The conical for mono thing is a myth. 
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