MC cartridge for Clearaudio Concept 1600$


Hello friends! This topic appears once in a few years, the last one similar (but lower budget) was three years ago so it's time! smiley

I have Sumiko Amethyst MM Cartridge on my Clearaudio Concept (basic) turnable and I want to try MC now and to bring the level & cost of cartridge into line with my stereo system. My budget is up to 1600$. So everybody oddly enough says the best option is Concept MC. Of course. But I would like to explore some other options because there are several interesting models in this price range with very similar tech. specs and that will also suite fine my tonearm with effective mass 9g. Here's the list:

- Concept MC Signature

- Dynavector DV-XX2 MKII

- Hana ML

- Goldring Ethos MC 

- Goldring Ethos SE MC

I wonder if anyone has expierence with any of these cartridges to tell something about it's character, sound signature, musicality, accuracy. Will be great if in compareson with Concept MC.

I listen (sometimes with my wife) to music from Billie Ilish to Pantera, from Portishead to Darkthrone, from Cypress Hill to Cannibal Corpse, even from Gabber to Sludge. Sometimes sad and romantic, sometimes evil. But very emotional like me. My phonostage is Hegel V10. Thanks for help

128x128iad

@knock1 do you stream music?  If so, how would you compare the sound quality to vinyl?

I've often felt that streaming was better in my system. The Kacey Musgraves album surprised me. Other albums have sounded better streamed. Both sound good. 

I agree with @knock1 about the Umamai Blue but starting with the Hana ML would be an excellent introduction to MC and the performance would exceed @iad Sumiko in a positive way.  I have an ML that is in rotation with my SS Hyperion MR and Lyra Kleos and holds its own in presentation enjoyment.  

I agree with @knock1 about the Umamai Blue but starting with the Hana ML would be an excellent introduction to MC and the performance would exceed @iad  Sumiko in a positive way.  I have an ML that is in rotation with my SS Hyperion MR and Lyra Kleos and holds its own in presentation enjoyment.  

@drrsutliff thanks for your opinion friend, I  am closer and closer to Hana. If someone could compare it with Clearaudio I'd be happy

Of all the adjustments/changes/enhancements I’ve done to my system in the past 5 years, putting a Hana cart on my VPI Traveler BY FAR made the biggest difference. I’m always prepared to be disappointed when trying something new in audio, but the Hana’s performance (over the Grado Silver I had on there) was just incredible.