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Cartridge upgrade

Hi all.  I have a quick question.  I have a Marantz TT-15S1 turntable that I've been enjoying for the last couple of years.  I am still using the included MM Clearaudio Virtuoso wood cartridge that has served me well so far.  At the end of last year, I upgraded my phono stage to a Manley Chinook that I like a lot.  I am looking to upgrade my cartridge this fall.  I was looking at Kiseki Purple Heart NS.  My question is this, does it make sense to put a $3,400 cartridge on a $1,700 (base audiophile) table?  I imagine there will be some sound improvement but how much?

rfauto
sls883
285 posts
 

I have the same TT.  I wasn't super impressed with the Virtuoso wood cartridge despite the great reviews.  I bought a Hana ML moving coil cartridge and it was a big improvement.  I'm using it with a Sutherland TZ Vibe phono preamp. 

tablejockey
3,886 posts
 

Plenty of nice $1K or less carts to choose from. Get the next level table/arm combo first.

I use the  Kiseki Blue found for $750 used with low mileage. 

noromance's avatar
noromance
9,764 posts
 

Upgrade turntable before cartridge. Your own deduction is sound. 

does it make sense to put a $3,400 cartridge on a $1,700 (base audiophile) table? 

avanti1960
1,472 posts
 

If the tonearm has VTA adjustability feel free to upgrade the cartridge which will be a noticeable sonic upgrade.  

I would cap the budget at ~2K which would include the incredible sounding Lyra Delos, above which there are severely diminishing returns IMHO.  

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