I need Hign compliance cartridges


Hi, could you tell me

some not very expensive high compliance cartridges (under 1000-1500 usd) MM and MC.  that suit for heavy tonearms. If you know exact figures please indicate them.

I know only that denon 103 is a high compliance mc cartridge.

 

Thank you very much

 

Serge

serge8

Koetsu are low compliance cartridges, for one example.  I think Miyajima cartridges are low in compliance as well.  Most MC cartridges are on the low end of the compliance spectrum, with some notable exceptions. Seems to me that the MC cartridges I have liked best in actual use are those few with high-ISH compliance.

Koetsu are an excellent example, as mentioned. But their price begins above your range unless you get a used deal. For a new cartridge, the Ortofon Cadenza Red has a nice low compliance (12 @ 10Hz) and works well with higher mass arms. Note that the higher end Ortofons above Cadenza Bronze actually have a higher compliance and are not as well suited to heavy arms. The Cadenza Red, Blue, Bronze models are the ones you want for a heavy arm like Fidelity Research.


Also note that you cannot easily compare Japanese cartridge compliances @100Hz with Euro cartridges @10Hz. In practice, that Ortofon’s compliance of 12 at 10Hz isn’t far off a Japanese 5 (Koetsu) at 100Hz.

A Denon 103R or a modified 103 might be just what you are after.  SoundSmith MIMC Star is an amazing low compliance cart (especially after it’s fully broken in).

Hana SL (Shibata Low Compliance) for $700 is the best under $1000 mc cartridge. 

I use Koetsus in my main system. In my vintage system, I use a Franken Denon 103 that has a micro ridge stylus, has been repotted into a wood body and tweaked by Steve Leung at VAS. His prices are reasonable, he can often supply the completed cartridge and provide video of the exact cartridge he is supplying showing it play and is very responsive to customers with fast turnaround. He is located in N.J. and is also a well-regarded repair and retipping operation.