Anybody here buy a cartridge from 'highendbroker' ?

Yes, I was asking about highendbroker that advertises here.

Thanks for the replies so far, much appreciated !

Yes, I bought a Frog Gold from him last year. Very good transaction - swift and efficient, nothing of particular note (good). Cartridge was perfect; brand new as advertised w/ the nice box. Straight cantilever, perfect L/R channel balance, etc. Nice cartridge.

If you’re in USA (like me) he offers good prices on this brand because you’re skipping over the NA distrib. I’ve still never encountered an issue that would require a warranty claim, and as the often-cited member issue with an MSL Platinum (Mijo’s) from MusicDirect shows, you might have a tough time getting resolution from the "correct" channels anyways (he had it resolved quickly from a 3rd party retipper).

You should also seek out Harry Weidema ("Dr. Needle" - NOT Needledoctor!) if you’re looking for a VdH cart.

@mulveling  Thanks Mike, that`s the kind of feedback I`m looking for 

I know you`ve had some nice cartridges, curious where the Frog Gold would sit if you were to rank it vs others you`ve had ?

Btw...my buddy is thoroughly happy with the Winfeld Ti he bought from you !

Steve  

Steve @scm ,

Awesome, that Windfeld Ti is a great cart and I definitely think of (miss it) from time to time! Happy to hear it’s getting such great use and enjoyment.

I’m known to generally prefer warm, full bodied sound - hence my fondness for SUTs and Koetsus. I do have temporary "phases" where I seek more resolution / sparkle / speed - the Windfeld TI’s and upper-end Van den Huls serve that well.

My Frog Gold is an interesting one - better balanced and more well-tempered than the Crimson and Colibri models. The latter are pursuing maximum detail, dynamics, and speed full stop. The Colibri is additionally a bear to control sibilance on - the only cartridge I’ve EVER had a problem with this. IMO it’s inherent to the undamped open-air structural design of the motor and NOT the stylus profile or VTA, as is often cited (I’ve used 2 of them in my systems now). Crimson/Colibiri models benefit from a well damped, almost "dark" sounding arm like the VPI Fatboys and 3D to temper them. The VPI plinths themselves (Avenger, Aries 3, HR-X) are also of this "dark" sonic nature, and easily excitable at ~ 100Hz. The Frog was a bit dull and muted on such a VPI setup, but shone on a Clearaudio Innovation / FR64fx - where it rendered a great delicate airiness and wide-open spacious sound. Just a touch of extra warmth & weight in mids, and nicely balanced out with bass overall. I put it on level of Ortofon Cadenza Bronze: very nice sounding, pleasing cartridge that doesn’t go to crazy in pursuit of one trait or another. At full USA retail prices - no thanks. But at discount? Yes, nice cart. I’m still deciding what to do with my VdH’s and there’s a not insignificant change the Frog Gold is the one I keep. In fact, I’ll probably mount it on my FR64fx / SOTA Nova this weekend - sharing duties with that Cadenza Bronze and a newly received SPU Classic GM E II.

Hope that helps!

Just to add 2juki on Ebay is definitely good people.  This is from personal experience not hearsay.

-John