2. analog
  3. 191728-193284

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
zuman
5 posts
 

I have a Clearaudio Performance DC with Tracer tonearm. I use a Hana ML. My phono preamp is a Modwright PH 9.0XT. My amp is a Modwright KWH 225i integrated, with a triode front-end and a solid state output stage.

I find the combination "alive" but forgiving. There's plenty of energy and bass is taut and extended, yet I don't have any fatiguing or shrill highs. I haven't felt the need to pursue anything else in the 15 months I've had the ML.

Setup is important to get right, and I heard a MAJOR difference when I finally got it that way. Arm pivot height was key for me, as was tracking force. I use the 100 ohm setting on the phono stage for resistance load with the ML.

Best wishes!

 

iad's avatar
iad OP
53 posts
 

@zuman Hi! If you are saying that you use this cartridge in a system of such level that means a lot! Thank you!

gkr7007's avatar
gkr7007
153 posts
 

Sumiko Starling was very impressive.

mysteriousmrm's avatar
mysteriousmrm
34 posts
 

I just got a Sumiko Starling for my Technics SL 1210-G turntable. The Starling is an MC cart with a price point between the Hana ML and the Unami Blue. I don't hear a lot about this cartridge on this forum, but every review I read from other sources was really positive. Really happy with the Starling so far. Still breaking it in.  

iad's avatar
iad OP
53 posts
 

@gkr7007 @mysteriousmrm And both Hana and Sumiko are made by Excel corp., the quality of sound must be same level. And they also make Benz Micro and Shelter

More to discover