Here is a crazy idea, get in touch with Andy Kim at the Needle Clinic and buy his NC-103 cartridge. I talked with him at the Pacific Audio Fest and he promised me the NC-103 would probably be better than my much more expensive cartridges and it was only 550 so I bought it. He takes a Denon DL-103, cuts the front off and adds a micro ridge nude stylus on a boron cantilever. I've only had it for 4 days but I really like it so far and I think it is exactly what you said you were looking for. It is very detailed with a huge amount of air and separation. Great dynamics and a fantastic soundstage, very holographic. It is a tad bright but I haven't played around with the loading enough to know if that can be tamed. If there is any sibilance on the vocals in a record it will bring that out but it isn't creating it. It is at the opposite end of the spectrum from my Koetsu (which is also sibilant). If you are looking for a lush, warm sound it isn't the right thing. Anyhow, I am thrilled with it so far.
New cartridge ideas...
I have been considering a new cartridge (or a second new one to be more precise, sigh) and would like some feedback.
Current cart is a Zyx ultimate 100. System is Nottingham Spacedeck with additional isolation, Van Den Hul silver cables on and SME 309 arm and a couple of other tweaks, Vacuum State JLTi mark 2 phono stage (47K ohm or 470 ohm), Cayin 300B integrated with various high quality NOS tubes and EML tall mesh 300B tubes, to Omega floorstanding new AlNiCo single driver speakers and a pair of older Max Hemp subs (powered). I am looking for a cartridge that will give more inner detail, a bigger soundstage and better imaging. That said, neither the speakers nor the cart are fully broken in, so this might change. I listen to classical music, and a variety of popular music with some jazz thrown in. The classical is where I think the current Zyx might be lacking just a bit. This said, I generally like the Zyx sound (had an Airy 3 before -- don't ask). I would consider used if the situation is right. Budget is say $1500 to $3,500.
Some I am considering are: Lyra Delos or used Kleos, Sumiko starling, Clearaudio Stradavari, Zyx Ultimate Airy or 4D used, gold Note Machiavelli, Rega Alpheta 3 MC, Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua, Ortofon Cadenza.
I have ruled out Koetsu, Grado, Benz, Goldring.
Any thoughts on the list above or additional suggestions would be welcome. I have not check the list for compatibility with the SME arm or the JLTi, so tha tmight narrow it down a bit.
Thanks for your help and the bandwidth.
Some cartridges I am considering are
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- 20 posts total
- 20 posts total