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
IF you have yet to do so, before moving to another flavor of cart, get serious ( HRS grade ) isolation under both the REF2 / 5 ( i run them both ). Also the both will benefit from NOS GE or Tungsol black plates in the power supply. If you do go the Delos route, put some weight on. I believe you will find J Carr supportive of that, although i am no P10 expert. I also have a Delos. Finally…. another vote for VdH or Dynavector…. Best in music ! Jim |
@tomic601 - I have seen immediate improvements from better isolation for my turntable and subwoofers but have not tried anything under the components. You may be on to something here as I know I am currently running a fabulous cartridge so maybe I need to take a step back and try something different for the next evolution of my system. Appreciate the idea. |
@dhite71 not to discourage you but using a non-Rega cartridges on a Rega table you can’t really predict the cartridge performance due to lack of VTA adjustment. Unless…the replacement cartridge is exactly the same height as a Rega cartridge or you can dial the VTA using either the Rega shims/spacers or thicker or thinner matt. Otherwise the P10 is a great table. I could be overthinking it so take this free advice for what it’s worth… |
@dhite71 You have stated, "I failed to share my budget but that would definitely be above : ) I am hoping to stay around $2000-$3000. There are Cart's being recommended that will retail at a substantial increase over this, especially the MSL Gold or Platinum. I am a Ortofon user and have been demonstrated a variety of their models, some are noticeably Rich in Tone (Not my Thing), others can grow toward a lean presentation (more to my taste, but not overly transparent). Most Cart's from this Brand have been able to embed a very good impressions. I am hoping over the next year to be able to experience demonstrations of a few Companies Flagship Models inclusive of Ortofon's latest design. The Ortofon Verismo and the MSL Platinum are of interest. I have the offer to experience the Verismo in a home system and am yet to make a date. The place for a Platinum to be demonstrated is yet to be found, I am at present assuming a HiFi Event will be the location. When these are achieved, I will have one more demonstration to seek out, which is the Mutech Hayabusa. I have followed the reports of a user of the some of the Cart's recommended above, and it has been discovered, that the Hayabusa is claimed to be almost on par in overall performance with a MSL Platinum, and seriously worth considering as a alternative choice. The Hayabusa falls in purchase value and can be found closer to your made known Budget. The Budget might need an increase by a $1000ish, but the Cart's performance for this money, if the reports are to be believed (which I do believe) suggests another $5000-$6000 increase in budget is required to acquire the Platinum and not have a much improved performance. Looking into the Hayabusa as an option will only increase your awareness of what options are available to you. |
