@mulveling , I would not say on the brighter side. I would say on the leaner side. It is hard to believe anyone would not like MSL cartridges. They are so easy to get along with with their higher output and great tracking ability. They are a warmer sound than the Lyras but the differences are really quite minor.
Cartridge Advice Please
I would love to hear from others that have traveled the same or a similar path.
My system is the previous Gen of Audio Research REF gear with the 75SE amp, 5SE preamp and 2SE phonostage with the Rega P10 playing Wilson Sophia 1. I listen to a lot of rock, R&B, blues, jazz, folk
My previous cartridge of about 2 years was a Benz Micro Wood SM. I got it new and loved it from the first record. My current cartridge is the Kiseki Purple Heart which I love even more and also have loved from the beginning. I got is used with about 200 hours, lol. So many people listen for 200 hours and then sell. I am fine with used but have always found that 150-200 hour statistic funny.
It has been about 9 months and I am happy with every other aspect of my system so would like to experiment with a new cartridge. Here are the ones that didn't work
SoundSmith Sussuro MkII ES - I liked it but with a 0.4mV rating it required my 5SE volume to be around 20 higher than the Purple Heart rated at 0.48mV. That makes no sense and it caused a buzz to be audible from my speakers between albums/tracks when listening at moderately loud volumes. Mr. Peter said there was nothing wrong with it and felt no need for me to send it in so I sold it.
Rega Aphelion 2 - This came used on my P10 and my mind was set on selling to justify the P10 upgrade so not sure I gave it the best chance but it sounded bright to me.
Rega Apheta 3 - Same deal as above, came on my previous RP10 and also sounded bright.
My initial thoughts are:
Koetsu
Lyra
Higher level Benz
Ortofon
- ...
- 51 posts total
- 51 posts total