Lets see, I haven't used anywhere near as many carts as most of you but I've had a Rega Exact which I used briefly until I picked up a phono stage capable of handling LOMC's.
I then got a good price on a Dynavector Karat 17D2 MKII. I liked it but it was a little bright on my Scout/Scoutmaster but there were other factors at play there I think, different cables, speakers etc than my current system. I did like it but I suppose I didn't love it.
I then got, (and still have), an Ortofon Jubilee. I like but as Downunder said, it's better with a step up than an active gain phono stage. It seems to have more emotion with the transformer than without, although it could be just that my current phono stage is better than it's predecesssor.
Finally I'm now using a Dyan XV-1s. I love it. Quiet, dynamic, not lean but not overblown. Lets the emotion of the recording through. A great cart and when I wear it out I'll be getting it rebuilt or replaced with another.
I then got a good price on a Dynavector Karat 17D2 MKII. I liked it but it was a little bright on my Scout/Scoutmaster but there were other factors at play there I think, different cables, speakers etc than my current system. I did like it but I suppose I didn't love it.
I then got, (and still have), an Ortofon Jubilee. I like but as Downunder said, it's better with a step up than an active gain phono stage. It seems to have more emotion with the transformer than without, although it could be just that my current phono stage is better than it's predecesssor.
Finally I'm now using a Dyan XV-1s. I love it. Quiet, dynamic, not lean but not overblown. Lets the emotion of the recording through. A great cart and when I wear it out I'll be getting it rebuilt or replaced with another.