2. analog
  3. 1325003583

SME 20 SME V cartridge

Recently I bought myself a new present for my birthday. (as listed in the title). Until now I've had a heavily modded Gyrodec with Technoarm.

Needless to say I'm over the moon with the new table but have a few more quid to spend on a decent cartridge. (but not too much)

Looking for any suggestions for under £1500 considering I play mostly jazz, opera, electonica and sometimes classic rock.

I have my eye on a Cartridge Man Music Maker since he's local. Any ideas? Nothing too esoteric, please.

Cheers from sunny London.

misnomer
sounds_real_audio
1,011 posts
 

It really depends on the type of sound that you are after. A warm romantic sound, then perhaps the Benz. A fast transparent silvery sound then perhaps the Dynavector. Check out the Wilson Benesch Ply or their Carbon.

Cheers
Jim
scousepasty
106 posts
 
When I had an SME 20, I ran a Koetsu Rosewood for playing jazz & opera, which is mostly 1950's Blue Note & Decca pressings in my collection and a ClearAudio Discovery for the newer vinyl.
I can recommend that you give Dave a call a Heatherdale Audio in UK (01903 261213 or 01903 532085). Good guy and always willing to do deals on cartridges. I bought a couple of Yamamoto cartridges off him and IMO they are the equal of £1500.00+ cartridges that I named above.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
uru975
684 posts
 
The Sumiko Pear or Anniversary Pear were designed with the SME as their turntable for it. May make a good combo. Check out the archives on that.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Soundsreally sells what he is recommending.

When a financial interest is involved, a disclosure is needed.
diggory
38 posts
 
William Thacker sells the Ortofon Jubilee for just under £1000 which works excellently with your SME and at that price is a bargain. You don't say though what phono stage you use. If you're mm only then forget about the Jubilee.

http://www.zum-shop.de/Ortofon-MC-Jubilee-Tonabnehmer_c32-317-319_p4506_x2.htm
More to discover