Cartridge Recommendations

Raul is on the right track. I've been using a B&O MMC-2 cartridge for 2 years. Had one in storage NIB and stumbled across it. Bought 2 more on eBay (one already mounted on an 8002 table) so I think I might be set for life. This cartridge performs great and would make a nice alternative to a top performing MC (although for me it's primary and personally I can't see myself going back to MC).

Hatari,

What are you looking for, sonically, that the Kondo does not deliver (what do you mean by an all-rounder)? Are you saying that the Kondo works with certain kinds of music and not others, and if that is the case, on what kind of music do you think it falls short?

Also, what phonostage were you using with the Kondo? Were you using a step-up transformer (that is a quite low output cartridge, with a somewhat high source impedance, which would make it a bit trickier to match with some step up transformers)?

With such a high quality table and arm, you have a huge range of alternatives. I think the bigger issue is not what to match with the arm, but, what combination of cartridge and phonostage will work to deliver the kind of sound you want.

good input Hatari. The Kondo needs a very well matched SUT, e.g. the SFZ KSL using the 1 Ohm input or another very fine inbuilt SUT. I like some MMs too but they will never, never ever reach a well adjusted Kondo IO-m in the right chain. This is for sure!

best & fun only - Thuchan

Dear Thuchan: IMHO the KOndo IO makes it better trhough an active high gain phono stage, I know this cartridge that I runned with the own AN SUT and with out SUT. Obviously that this is only an additional opinion.

On the other side affirm that " a well adjusted IO in the right chain " never be reached by a MM/MI cartridge is IMHO only a misunderstood ( for say the least. ) by your part.

In the " right chain " the right MM/MI cartridge IMHO competes and in some ways surpass the IO quality performance, but remember that I'm talking of levels of Excellence: nothing less. The humble and " ridiculous " looking B&O MMC2/1 are examples of those MM/MI cartridges I was refering.

Thuchan why if you always refute " absolutes " on the IO/MM_MI subject you speak on " absolutes " terms ?.

Anyway, as I said only an additional opinion.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

Dear Raul,

if you ever have tested the Kondo IO-m in a pure Kondo chain, meaning Kondo KSL SFz and Kondo M7 as I do and as Roy Gregory has described it in a very good way as the "Kondo artillery" you would no go for the active high gain phono stage or something may be wrong with you :-)

This is real excellence! believe me or not. I invited you many times but you prefer living your philosophy which is ok for me.

best & fun only - Thuchan