Is There An "Absolute" Best Cartridge?

The "best" doesn't even interest me. How does one determine the "best" food? Yes, I do see audio in food analogy and, to me at least, much more fun that way as a hobby. This over-determination of looking for the "best" component has given us some of the most flavorless sound imaginable. Is it any wonder that in Asia people are having more fun than in the States that Asians, in the pursuit of quality up to a certain point, also want variety? Compare their magazines to The Absolute Stereophool variety in the States and you can see why. This audio asceticism is the reason younger people see audiophiles as nuts and very soon the kids and spouses no longer want to be in the same room with them. It's time to espouse to the kids and novices that audio can be fun again, or else the hobby will die.... slowly. Bring back the fun! Good luck with your quest.

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Dear Tpreaves: In some ways you are right till you find " something " that break your everyday paradigms and this Technics cartridge break audio paradigms and myths.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Dear Elizabeth: Maybe could be time to try " new " alternatives.
For many years all of us already have " right in front " other analog source choice and because we are accustom to the same audio paradigms we don't even " look " at " left side ", never is to late to begin with.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Dear SiddH: If you find it please let me know.

regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Dear Stanwal: I own too the Technics EPC 205C MK4 that is one of my favorities and I agree that is a great cartridge ( either MM/MI or LOMC. ).

As good the 205MK4 it is a little short against the P100C MK4 ( even both cartridge specs are different and in favor of the P100C MK4. ), we have to remember that this cartridge was the Technics " master piece ": nothing less.

+++++ " But I never heard of ANY p mount cartridge that could compete with a good standard mount given the compromises necessary by the mounting system. " +++++

please re-read my Technics review where I be very specific on that mounting " compromise " you name it and that fortunately is solve: no compromises at all.

If you want a first rate MM/MI alternative that happen is a P-mount design ( where you can attest or not about your concern. ) you can get ( by " cents ". ) the Azden YM-P50VL in NOS condition ( that I name it in the review. ) here with Nick: clock3153@hotmail.com

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.