Is There An "Absolute" Best Cartridge?

Hi Downunder,I think the EPC-U1200 is just a DJ cartidge,not a hi-end model.The EPC-100MKIV was the best cartridge Technics ever produced.I read they sold for $600.00.At the time American audiophiles would not spend that kind of money for a MM when they could buy a MC which certainly would be better?The EPC-100 cartridges were mostly sold with the SP-10 and SP-15 turntables here in the US,I think.Someone correct me if I am wrong.

Audio-Technica,Sure and Ortofon all made some better(top of the line)MM cartridges in the past than what they offer now.Is it because MC now dominates the market?

Travbrow,
The EPC 100C was first sold in 1976, meant to be sold with the Technics SP-10Mk2 when it came out. The cartridge cost 60,000 yen at the time, which was less than $600. However, that was when the EPA 100 tonearm which was also meant to go with the SP-10Mk2 was also retailed for 60,000 yen. It was not a cheap MM cart - probably costing twice as much as the next best at the time.

The EPC 100CMk2 came out a few years later at 65,000 yen. The Mk3 was in silver in 1981 at 70,000 yen (I have yet to see one of these), and the Mk4 came out in I think 1982 with the SP-10Mk3 when it came out. Each successive version got the cantilever and magnet lighter and lighter, with each successive version seeing lower and lower output. The 100C is 1.5mV, the 100CMk2 is 1.3mV, the 100CMk3 is 1.2mV, and the 100CMk4 also 1.2mV.

FWIW, the EPC-101C came out in 1979 at the same price as the then 100CMk2, and the main difference between the two was the cantilever material - the 100C had a boron cantilever, and the 101C a tapered titanium nitride cantilever. Both sound very nice.

As far as I know, the EPC 205CMk3 also came out in 1979 as a lower-cost version of the 100C. It was a built, I believe, as a cross between the 205CII and the 100C, again with a boron cantilever.

Until this recent flurry of activity, I had never actually seen a picture of a P-mount 100C. The vast majority still floating around are integrated headshell versions (overhang and azimuth can be adjusted, but if the cantilever is off kilter, you're out of luck...).

Dear Halcro: That was only an example and the Formula 1 maybe was an over-kill to a humble Civic.

The example was to understand in more easy way the whole subject, only that.

+++ " and who can drive it ( fine tunning at its needs. Not what I like but what it needs. ) )." ++++++

that is more or less what you posted ( it is critical an essential. )

+++++ " requiring the talented input of a human to extract that potential performance " +++++

++++ " Surely the sole purpose of an audio system is to produce the best (most accurate ) " +++++

This cartridge shows from its specs and measures that its accuracy is second to none and this accuracy shows it again when " ride " the recording grooves.

It is a pity that is not a current model.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Dear T-bone: Yes the EPC-P100CMK4 comes out in 1982.

Now, as I point out in the Technics review the EPC 205C MK4 IMHO was the latest " top of the line " ( only down the EPc 100C MK4 ) that Technics build/design in 1984, I own it and is a winner too and more " easy " to find than its big brother.
The 205 was build in three different " presentations ": in integrated headshell, P-mount design and normal 1/2" mount cartridge ( this is the one I own. ). Btw, its output level is higher at 2.5mv.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Dear Pedrillo: That " call " is for Technics.

Today we have several cartridge designers and as I told in the cartridge review my highest hope is that some one of them take " his time " to design not only a cartridge that can even the quality performance of the Technics one but that beat it.
Only the times to come could tell if this can be a reality.
In begin I think that sooner or latter will appear a new today cartridge design that deserve to be name it " the best ".

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.