Cartridges


Is it better to upgrade to an ultra premium cartridge or to buy the premium records such as hot stampers and the like?

hysteve

You’ll probably get more out of the high end vinyl, with a better cartridge.

hysteve

I upgraded my cartridge from a Kiseki Purpleheart NS to a Grado Aeon and am delighted by the improvement in sound froma wide range of records. A much more detailed, richer sound with a wonderful ambience - feeling of space as elements are much more clearly seperated.

Just be careful to avoid having any transformers near the cartridge as it will hum!

I haven't had the pleasure of hearing an Epoch3 or Aeon3, but the Statement3 has taught me a lesson. With an output of 1mV it can be used as an MM or as an MC as far as the phono stage is concerned. I found it decidedly boring connected as an MM both with a Quad 24p and with the NuVista Vinyl. But as an MC with the resistive loading set low at 100Ω it comes to life and is really giving my London Reference a challenge.

It looks like you already have a solid base for vinyl reproduction, so yes, you're probably at a point where better vinyl would be a wise way to spend your money.  More music!

Before spending on a new cartridge, I'd look at your phono stage as the next upgrade.  

I’d say both, but if I had to pick one, it would’ve the good recordings/pressings.