Hana ML teamed with Pro-Ject 1Xpression carbon classic and Rega Aria

Hi -

If I might ask what do you find lacking with the Ortofon Bronze?

You have some nice equipment; what is not sounding right for you?  Or do you feel that the Bronze is not in the same league as some of your other equipment?

Many thanks, 

Rich 

Thank you. I feel the 2m bronze may have a harshness to it, perhaps related to its 10khz peak, an issue with the 2M’s. I could potentially equalize it out, but like to listen to albums in pure direct. Some vinyl recordings sound wonderful, but others not so, particularly with upper vocals. I replaced my cables and moved from a Schiit Mani 2 to the Rega. Better, but not perfect. Listening to Anita Baker right now. Music is perfect, but her voice is not. Cat Stevens in the lower octave singing sounds great, but not in his upper octave singing. Maybe it is not the cartridge, but it is the next logical step. 
I also believe you splurge on speakers & cartridges for the largest impact on sound. 

Curious.  I had been using an Ortofon 2M Blue and vocals were not quite sounding right, they sounded off a bit, not as deep as they should sound, if that makes sense.

I swapped in a Goldring E3, a less expensive MM cartridge, and that helped, not the last word, but pretty good.

I am sticking with MM cartridges as I have a Decware ZP3 MM phono preamp.  My TT's are Technics 1210 & 1500.  I like direct drive, as well as bayonet cartridge mounting, as I have the option of swapping out cartridges.    

I did use a Hana EH cartridge.  I managed to damage the needle (dropped it or what happens when you have the option of swapping).  Vocals were vastly improved, especially male vocals, most noticeable on Elton John (live in Australia)  & Neil Young (live at Carnegie Hall).  

I have no experience with Hana's MC line or with the LSA amp, so I can not offer an observation from experience.  Can't imagine you going wrong given that you will be doubling your investment in your cartridge.  It is cheaper than doing the plunge into tubes, which was actually the game changer for me years ago.

Best regards,

Rich 

Yea, tough to do 7.1 with tubes. Interesting having similar problems with the 2Ms.