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opinions on favorite cartridge

I have a number of cartridges to use, so much so that choosing between them has become somewhat difficult. I know, I know, many would wish they had that problem. But when you have a number of very decent cartridges, the differences are very minor. This is what I have,

Monster Alpha 2
Monster Genesis 1000 with Soundsmith ruby cantilever
Madrigal Carnegie One with Soundsmith ruby cantilever
GAS Sleeping Beauty
Benz Micro Glider II
Accuphase AC-1 with soundsmith ruby cantilever
Sumiko Talisman S with Soundsmith ruby cantilever
Dynavector 23rs
Dynavector 17d2
Dynavector 23r
Ortofon 2M Black
Clearaudio Aurum Beta Wood
Coral 777 EX
Sumiko Evo III

For any of you that have heard these cartridges, do you have a favorite and why. Each of these has an area that they excel at, and I currently am using the Monster Genesis and Benz Micro Glider II on my two main tables. Both are being used with SME 309 or 345 arms into either a PS Audio GCPH or SimAudio LP5.3 on an Oracle Delphi Mk IV or Transrotor Fat Boy

Any thoughts
manitunc
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
There is no use at all in putting money into cartridges and table that are significantly better than the phono stage, it is a total waste of money.
dover
2,250 posts
 
Nobody seems to have read your question properly, which was which of "these" cartridges do you prefer and why. I have heard everything there except the GAS and Ortofon. My favourite would be the Carnegie, I used this on an ET2/Sota Star many years ago and liked its transparency, sense of ease. I ran it with a tweaked Marantz 7 tube pre straight in at 47k. Listen to primarily Classical & Jazz. My only reservation would be the replacement of the original cantilever boron, aluminium and carbon fiber composite and whether the ruby has altered the sound.
inna
7,296 posts
 
I too am struck by the number of mid-level cartridges and not good enough phono stages. I partly disagree with Stanwal in that I believe that the table itself should be the strongest link if you have to choose.
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,686 posts
 
How come you need someone else to tell you what you what to listen to? Just curious.
dhcod
710 posts
 
I've heard lots of cartridges but only the 17d2 on your list. I really enjoyed it but found that for a little more money the entry level Lyra's are better.

I also think a phono stage upgrade could change your life. Looking at you equipment, I imagine a tube unit would match nicely and balance the sound out in a very satisfying way. You can really squeeze more sound out of every cart on your list.
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