Seeking Legit Cartridge Expert?


Anyone out there have a reputable guy who knows the nuances of carts in the $2000+ range? So many opinions.....

current set up 

VPI Super Prime Scot / 10.5 arm

Hana ML

Harbeth 40.3XD 

What's going to drastically improve my sound / detail....mostly listen to Hard Rock, Zeppelin etc....

 

Thanks! 

128x128tommypenngotti

If an individual has a taste for a particular type of sound the integration of critical parts in the Upstream end will be critical for maintaining the pleasure side to the sound already attained. 

The Cart' is as Upstream as one can, with Audio Equipment used to replay Vinyl LP's.

A I'll thought out selection will undoubtedly get you listening to music.

A careful selection made from assessing listening will be a much more sure footed approach, but this take footwork.

I bought into the Hana SL and it was not in anyway attractive to my preferences for a produced sound and influence on a production. The Cart' is stored with very short usage and kept as a loaner Cart'.

I still have a interest in Hana and will get some time in front of the 'Blue'.

I suggest to commence hearing Cart's a headphones are used to hear VAS NY Inc needle drops of his work and repairs. 

The needle drops will enable you to assess the Cart's Tonal Range, I. E, whether is is Bloomy, Rich or Lean. 

Brands have similar traits in a Cart's voicing, learning about these can be quite valuable.

I can't recommend buying on hear say. 

Why would you want an MC to play Zepplin? Let me suggest the Musc Hall "Stealth" with a nice, rorty Ortofon 2M Blue pre-mounted for $1,650. While I don't listen much to Zepplin or other hard rock, when I do, the Stealth/Blue combo makes the music come alive. Spend the money you save on other vinyl.

"I keep hearing mixed opinions about the ART9XA vs the ART9XI ."

No real "bad choice."

If you listen carefully, you might hear the differences.

Audio-Technica AT-ART9 vs AT-ART9XA vs AT-ART9XI Moving Coil Cartridge (youtube.com)

Too bad this wasn't done with a nice setup.

 

@tablejockey 

 

thanks...I've seen that vid...so hard to get a perspective from a Youtube vid on hifi...

might just grab a ART9 , they seem to have many folks enthused...but now Im contemplating replacing my tonearm, here we go , Hifi rabbit hole approaching again..

"contemplating replacing my tonearm, here we go , Hifi rabbit hole approaching again.."

Are you thinking of the drop in VPI gimbal or a REAL nice arm? You can at least transfer a pricey arm to the future REAL nice $ table. You'll probably have to make your own arm board(shouldn't be difficult)?

I'm actually contemplating the same thing. I like my Classic because it looks like an old traditional table.

Whatever ART9 you decide on, good chance your ears will agree with the many fans it has.