MM, MC, or MI cartridge

rvpiano, I'm aware you listen to lots of classical music.  Do you spend much time listening to other types?

I ask because of the experience of a friend who had quite a refined musical ear.  He could not find just one cartridge that suited all the various classical and jazz recordings he regularly listened to.  I do remember he preferred a Grado for vocals, both jazz and opera.  Then he had a different favorite for symphonic and big band and a third for chamber music and small group jazz.  I don't remember which those were but it was nearly 20 years ago so probably doesn't matter now.

Depending on your arm and table (you didn't identify those) there are a few ways to do this.  If you have an interchangeable headshell that may be the simplest and least expensive.  Adding at least one additional tonearm would reduce changing headshells, particularly if you were satisfied with two cartridges.  Also is the choice to add a second table/arm, but that is not practical for many people.

BTW, I assume it was the cantilever you bent, not the stylus.  They don't bend, they break. ;^)

Yup, two arms and two cartridges, one or two tables. That's the way for many. More than two is a little extravagant but why not ?

I personally don't need it but I don't listen to large scale music. Good for me or I would have to completely overhaul my entire system. Only couple of cables would remain where they are now. I don't chase extreme resolution and transparency either or I would want $10k MC and $20k phono stage, not to mention the rest of the chain.

pryso,

Thanks for asking.
Yes, I listen to mostly classical (about 90-95%) but I do listen to jazz, pop and some other styles. I had Grado cartridges for many years until I switched to the Clearaudio Virtuoso, which I like a lot. Contrary to your view, I’ve never felt the need to switch cartridges. My system really sounds fine in all styles with one cartridge. I’ve never felt the need to switch.
As far as turntable, I started out very modestly with the Rega RP3, but I have almost completely revamped and upgraded it with new parts and two power supplies. I also have a steady as a rock very heavy specially designed turntable platform on a slab floor which holds the turntable with no vibration.

On EBay, there is a GE VR 1000 for about $700. It is interesting since there are several stylus about $30. I am not a fan of setting up a cartridge. And I can’t imagine a 1000 will stand up to my Lyra Atlas SL. Love my Lyra.

Is it worth an experiment?

ghdprentice,

I’m just hoping the Hana will suit me at least as well as the Clearaudio did.