2. analog
  3. 193913-3976

High Performance Moving Iron Cartridge Candidates?

I have decided to simplify my analog set up a bit. removed the fussy cartridges and SUT's, and am down to one external phono stage, and the internal one in my Trinov preamp. 

 

The Trinov preamp is MM only, and I don;t want to use a step up or headamp with it. So that means high output moving coil or a MM type cartridge. 

I read on these boards that a MI cartridge can have lower moving mass than a moving coil I would like to experiment. 

What are the viable candidates these days? I imagine most vintage ones do not have OEM styli available still. The Soundsmith ones are interesting, but get very spendy. This is meant to be a casual cartridge for me, but I will spend some money on it. Just not Air Tight or Koetsu money.  

What are other choices? Not typically fond of Grado I heard in the past. Otherwise I think Nagaoka is the only other one I know of?

neonknight
boxcarman
483 posts
 

I used a Grado MI cart with a phono preamp that had a MM setting and a MC setting only.  MC was too bloomy and MM was too thin.  Seems like it was somewhere in the middle.  I would suggest a preamp that has a selection of settings.

dogberry
824 posts
 

Many years ago I used (and actually still have it) a Benz Micro Wood H2 HOMC. I didn't really find it better than the Shure V15vxMR that preceded it, and moved on to a Ruby 3 instead. That one is still in use, albeit converted to mono.

bikefi10
62 posts
 

Another yes for Soundsmith. I got a new HOMI Zephyr MKlll for $1k. It has Line Contact stylus. Rides deeper in groove. HiFi Heaven had a sale plus they gave trade in credit of $100 for a couple old Ortofons that needed new stylus.

I called Soundsmith for advice prior to purchase and the fellow connected me to owner Peter L which I didnt expect.

Plan is to make this my last cart with the rebuild service.

neonknight OP
432 posts
 

Some questions about Soundsmith. As I understand it earlier cartridge designs were built upon the B&O architecture. Is there some point the designs evolved past them? Are any of the current cartridges still based on them? 
 

One thought comes to mind. Soundsmith won't be around forever, or will at least transition at some point. I don't think we can bank on their rebuild costs model staying the same whenever things do change. Koetsu is a recent reminder of this. 
 

Grado is a cartridge I have never been fond of. Do the Nagoaka have a bit more sparkle and presence than them? 

bikefi10
62 posts
 

No doubt Soundsmith and other audio companys wont be around, as they are today, down the road. 

I have come across a couple other services that rebuild carts, so hopefully that is an option if needed.

I think Soundsmith's site may have some history on the B&O builds.

 

More to discover