How to choose a cartridge?

My Broadest Experience is with Ortofon.

I have heard the Flagship Models and their Trickle Down Technology Models since the Millennium.

There is a family trait where a Sonic is detectable and the variation from one Cart to another is also detectable.

I like a very clean cut Bass Note with no overhang, it has to be perceived as having a decay, this allows my Mid and Upper Mid's to be projected and have a improved presence.

To achieve this Balance, I had a Ortofon Cart' built with the description of my needs guiding the design.

The Built Cart has been compared to other Ortofon Cart's produced over the last 20 Years and I am not wanting another Ortofon at present.

I do have one other Ortofon as a Donor Cart' to go for a rebuild, but there is no rush.

The good thing about Cart's is that many that are sought after are from a range within a Brand, and because of this there is going to be a family trait that can be detected.

If you visit the link I have made available for Juergen, there is a vast range of Cart's that have been used and assessments offered.  

I think its important to get a cartridge that works well with the tone arm it will be mounted to. What are people using with that arm?? This is a good place to start.

Matt M

I think its important to get a cartridge that works well with the tone arm it will be mounted to. What are people using with that arm?? This is a good place to start.

I just got a new (used) arm which is adjustable from ~11.5 to 19 grams of equivalent mass. So I can use all but the highest compliance carts.

 

If you visit the link I have made available for Juergen

I am trying to find the Juergen link.

You cannot go wrong with the Hana or the Ortofon 2m’s, in particular, the 2m Bronze.

I own both the Hana el and 2m Bronze, for the money they are two fantastic cartridges.... the 2m Bronze cartridge can accept the 2m black stylus for future upgrade. 

Stylus shape is also important. I've found that fine line generally dig deeper and get more subtleties. Of course they are generally more expensive