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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

 

dhite71
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,398 posts
 

As advised by @elliottbnewcombjr ​​​​​​

The idea and practice of having a Donor Cart' rebuilt is one I am a advocate of. It will be seen in other threads where I make known my experiences of this. 

I will say that, not Al Donor Cart's are able to be rebuilt to a Spec' that resembles the original model and some are not going to be rebuilt.

It does depend on the Service Selected and the evaluation of the Technician. 

This will not suit all, but it is my arrangement I make. 

I buy a Donor Cart', as model to undergo a Inspection and Assessment only. I don't kid myself I am buying a rebuild able Cart'. 

Following the Assessment being a positive outcome, I let the Third Party Service know I am not holding them accountable, if the rebuild has a failing and the Cart' is lost. I accept the outcome whatever it is.

The only thing I ask, is that if parts have been purchased and are being charged for, if these are salvageable, I ask these are stored for a future attempt, when another Donor is available.

Obviously not everhbodies ideal, but to date this has worked out fine, and a Third Party Service does feel better for it, as they can't guarantee 100% success on all attempts to rebuild. 

kennyc
1,186 posts
 

Hana Umami Blue MC Cartridge 0.4mV at $2,499.99 looks promising.  Likely a sonic bargain.

Ortofon Cadenza Bronze a solid choice - often used in audio show demos.    

russellrcncom
305 posts
 

I have a rega rb2000 (similar to the rb3000) and I have the two cartridges Kennyc noted on my short list.  Also intrigued by the new AT art 20.

dhite71 OP
279 posts
 

@russellrcncom Are you using this as the stock arm on an RP10 or modified a non-Rega turntable?  Don't suppose it matters....right?  Just curious

I should have included Rega RB3000 in the title as many have commented on choices on other brand arms.  I have been reading a little about compliance and using formulas to consider cartridges.  Do you know if there any clear red flags or stats that would be a hard elimination for a cartridge?

What are you listening to now on the RB2000?

russellrcncom
305 posts
 

Currently I’m using a Grado Reference on the rb2000.  The rb2000 is mounted to a SOTA star table.  Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with either of the three cartridges mentioned above.  It’s just a matter of synergy.

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