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Do I Have the Wrong Cartridge?

I recently got back into playing vinyl on my Linn Axis (fully serviced), but needed a new cart. Since 80% of my listening is on an ARC CD3 and not knowing how often I’ll use the TT, I set a budget of only $300 on a MM and went to my local HiFi shop. They recommended a Rega Elys II.

Now to my problem...I listen to classical music and it sounds awful with this cart; strings and brass are harsh and music sounds thin overall. All my LPs are top class, pressed in Germany and Holland.
To test my TT, I played some Rock albums and they all sounded excellent; great dynamics, wide soundstaging. Records played were a wide variety; Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, Mahavishnu Orch, Kraftwerk.

So I ask you, can a middle of the road cartridge like this Rega only sound good on a particular style of music? I was told this Rega was a good all-around cart and BTW, it’s non-returnable.

Looking for any explanation and advice.
Many thanks.
128x128lowrider57
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
Hi, it's me again. I consulted with a very knowledgeable man at a HiFi shop. The offering of carts in the $300 range was...

Grado Reference Platinum 1 Output 5mV
Grado Gold1 Prestige Output 5mV
Ortofon Blue Output voltage 5.5 mV
Denon DL-110 HOMC Output: 1.6mV, only $139

Many negative reviews on the Grado Gold all stating a hum problem and I also ruled out the Ortofon.
The Grado Reference Platinum 1 seems to be the best of the lot, but using my Linn Axis, what are the chances of interference from it's motor? I assume that the hum happens when combining the cart with a particular design TT.

The other option is the Denon with a compliance of 15. My tonearm is low mass(don't have specs), so I don't know if they are a match.

So, is there any advice out there?
wolf_garcia
6,711 posts
 
I have an Akito with a Sumiko Pearl (my local high end hifi store dude highly recommended this thing). The Pearl is astounding, but perhaps too inexpensive for some. Clean, accurate, tracks amazingly...cheap...too cheap...
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
Ortofon carts do not hum, that is nonsense. I have a Red and a Black and they are quiet. Knowledgeable HiFi salesman yeah, of course.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
Stevecham, I'm saying the Grado Gold hums, I decided against the Ortofon based on it's tonal qualities; I'm looking for a warm sound (the opposite of the Ortofon and the Rega).

The Sumiko was recommended to me, but they are not a dealer for that brand.

Anybody w/ Grado experiences?
wolf_garcia
6,711 posts
 
Sumiko Pearls are available online of course and I bet some places have a return policy, but I'm not sure about that. At $125 it isn't too risky a purchase, and based on what sound you seem to be seeking it may be a great fit. You never know...
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