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Help with Cartridge choice

Fellow audiophiles, my first time posting here and I will appreciate your help in choosing the right cartridge as part of my broader journey to put together an end game system. My upgrade path may not be very logical because it is opportunistic.

I use an old Pro-Ject Perspective turntable from early 2000s with the 9" aluminium arm (not the carbon one). I will make a significant upgrade in next couple of years but thats what i have for now.

I recently bought a Zesto Andros II phono stage to match my Zesto Leto 1.2 pre.

For now I am trying to upgrade from my Ortofon Bronze (MM) cartridge to something finer. Based on my research I am considering Hana ML ($1200). I have to stay below $1500. I have never used a MC or LOMC and not very analog savvy, and will appreciate any and all recommendations. 

Thank you!

musicmatters1206
kfscoll
36 posts
 

I have both an ART9XI and a Hana ML that I use with my VPI Prime and, much to my surprise, I slightly prefer the Hana.  They’re very, very close however, so you really can’t go wrong with either.  I do notice that the AT certainly needs less gain from my phono stage than the Hana for whatever that’s worth.

ghdprentice
7,041 posts
 

OP. You are likely in for a real treat. I remember moving from budget stuff to a quality analog rig. It was truly jaw dropping… all the surface noice disappeared… it just wasn’t diminished… completely gone. The bass when up to slap me in my face… the soundstage expanded beyond my speakers. The step up from real budget or mid-fi gear is simply transformative. The VPI 21 and a well chosen cartridge with the Zesto should be a completely overwhelming change. Likely to shame your digital end.

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

Your extended description of your experience with a vinyl source is appreciated.

I have to agree that your encounter with a Upgrade is going to be quite a surprise.

Prepare to be propelled into having to listen the the entirety of the Album Collection, it will become infectious.  

avanti1960
1,480 posts
 

Audio technica ART9 XI

~1300 but it beats and competes with $2000 cartridges.  look it up.  

tablejockey
3,916 posts
 

musicmatters1206-

If you can stretch your budget, there is a Rega P10, 2nd owner listed. That means bargaining power for you. Put a LOMC from the OC9/AT33 series on it, and you will have a significant upgrade without taking  on a second mortgage. 

I

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