How to choose a cartridge?

Dear @holmz : First than all you need to define in precise way which are your main targets for the reproduction room/system quality levels.

After that and your investigation and everything the same yes it's: 

" Does one just flip a coin? "

 

or if you are lucky enough after all those maybe 1-2 of the cartridge sources around your area could have one of the cartridge alternatives you want it.

I know that you like measurements as you mentioned, well with cartridges that almost does not works to make cartridge decisions.

 

Btw, of the ones you named the LPS has my vote.

 

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

When my Lyra Delos started to sound a little grotty, I replaced it.with a Hana ML. I used my Denneson Soundtractor alignment tool to mount it. It wasn't very much trouble as the Hana's body is nicely rectangular. I mounted it on my old but still willing Alphason arm. The Hana cartridges all want two grams stylus pressure, and it's an easy number to home in on. It sounded lovely from the very first time I dropped it onto a record groove, and it continued to improve over the ensuing couple weeks. I'm a happy guy. It sounds beautiful and it tracks at least as good as the Lyra did in its salad days.

It is very hard to even begin to recommend something absent some kind of context as to sonic preference and what you are trying to achieve.  It would help to know what cartridges you have heard in your own system or a system you know, and what kind of sound you are trying to achieve.  For example, if we know what you have for gear and what direction you want to move from your current sound, someone can probably point you in the right direction.  If you have heard cartridges that are sort of at the extremes, like a vdh Colibre (fast, clear) and one at the other extreme, like a Koetsu (warm, harmonically dense) and have a preference, that would be helpful too.

 

Because you can't try all these cartridges in YOUR system you are always flipping the coin. The very first consideration is, how much can you afford to spend. Then  you make a list of all the cartridges in your price range and start doing some research. Delete the cartridges with plain aluminum cantilevers and older stylus profiles. Go with modern tapered aluminum,  boron or sapphire cantilevers and fine line styluses. A good example of a great cartridge for the money is the Goldring 2042. IMHO you are better off with a high output cartridge in this price range than a cheap moving coil cartridge. It also makes sense to stay away from the cottage manufacturers and stick to the larger established ones like Ortofon, Goldring, Clearaudio, My Sonic, Lyra and others. I personally think you should push it and get a Lyra Delos. The sweet spot in the Soundsmith line is The Voice. 

 

I know that you like measurements as you mentioned, well with cartridges that almost does not works to make cartridge decisions.

Yeah… of all the measurements, channel separation is the one that likely has the most bearing on things.

 

…LPS…

Yeah - that is on my list, but a bit off the deep end on proce.

 

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS

I am not sure distortions are as valuable.
The motor itself should be more of a linear device, but the suspension is likley where the harmonics pop in.

 

 

It is very hard to even begin to recommend something absent some kind of context as to sonic preference and what you are trying to achieve. It would help to know what cartridges you have heard in your own system

First was anAudioquest 606, and then an Audioquest 404, or maybe a 505.
The 606 was a later drilled sapphire HOMC.
Later was a Sumiko Blue Point Special, and lastly the Garrott Bros p77i, which is the best I have head so far.

 

… For example, if we know what you have for gear and what direction you want to move from your current sound, someone can probably point you in the right direction.

Sota Sapphire, Schroder CB-9 arm is on the way.
There is a 10mm thick DIY Alloy tone arm board that the tone arm mounts to.
A Nagra VPS phono stage, and currently an Audible Illusions line stage,
I know that the VPS is mostly 2nd harmonic, with a slight amount of third harmonic.
It replaced a ARC PH2, which was fixed at 48k, so I have SUT and loading options, as well a an extra 15 gain with the VPS now.

The AI line stage also is reported to have 30dB of gain.

 

 

If you have heard cartridges that are sort of at the extremes, like a vdh Colibre (fast, clear) and one at the other extreme, like a Koetsu (warm, harmonically dense) and have a preference, that would be helpful too.

A friend has a vdHul and his system sound great on femail voices, and in general, But it is Maggys, etc… so his whole system is sharper than what I have.

I think my system is already on the neutral to warm side, so I would probably want to stay on the neutral to sharp side for the cart… not overly warm... but I suppose I should try to have a listen to a Koetsu to really book-end the space?

 

 

I personally think you should push it and get a Lyra Delos. The sweet spot in the Soundsmith line is The Voice.

The SS have 35 db channel separation, so that is a plus.
The Lyra is on my list - at least the mental list… (Thanks)

 

Thanks guys.