Dear Sonofjim: +++++ " there are no analogue experts here(or anywhere else) only opinions " ++++
I respect your opinion on that cartridge that you like in your system, I did/do not. I heard now five samples in four different systems and that's why my opinion is that ( agree just an opinion. ).
My audio priorities are the same in the last few years as is the live music as my very first reference but in the last few months ( thank's to the great MM/MI alternative. ) my home audio system quality performance reference/standards ( in any audio system not only in mine. ) change a little, now that reference/target/standards not only improve but is/are more tight with less " tolerance " than before and IMHO the AT ones are away of that " new " reference.
Sonofjim, fortunately " things " change or we make it change or at least try it, we/I can't stay for " years " with the same quality references with out aspire for true improvements, well I 'm lucky enough ( and I " work " hard too. ) and discover a way " better " references: references that put me ( and put many other people. ) near to the MUSIC/recording like anything else in the past.
IMHO both AT can't even touch that " new " reference level and I have to say that almost no LOMC can do it. I have to say that I'm lucky enough too to have dedicated top level phono stages for LOMC and for MM/MI ones a must desired to hear with out any single doubt those new standards.
I already posted elsewhere which vintage and today LOMC are nearest that " new " analog home audio references ( just my opinion. ).
I accept all the comment you posted because you and me know what you are hearing but you don't know ( like other/many people. ) what I'm hearing and more important than that you don't know what I'm refer to with that " new reference/standards " words.
do you want/would you like to hear this new analog audio reference?, please email me.
Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.