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Cartridge for my system? Your wisdom is needed

Analog Gurus

The time has come that I am making another change in my front end analog system and I this is going to be my final one for a long while.
I know it sounds familiar but its true, other things are taking precedence over my hobby and I need that to happen 
I am looking for a phono cartridge for my front end analog rig, price is a factor so nothing over $850 since I know there is plenty out there up to this range.

My preference is, neutrality and ultra-resolution with lots of gain
The analog combo is not based of the norm and I am going to make them work together to the best possible manner

Expected synergy for my combination:

Brinkmann Bardo
Tonearm – SME 4.5 custom board from Brinkmann
Phono Preamp – Graham Slee Era Gold with Elevator (so the cartridge can be either MM or MC)

I need a cartridge that will compliment this system, Ayre amplification with a pair of Wilson Sophia’s II
I would like to try a good MC for this but will gladly settle for an excellent MM as well

Ortofon 2M Black is on the list so far and looking for more suggestions and wisdom from all of you out there.
Thanks - R
rapogee
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,484 posts
 
Look at Clearaudio Maestro Wood 3.6mv. Great resolution extension, transparency and tight tuneful bass. Set-up is a breeze not fussy at all. Does well with most music types if the vinyl is clean. Excellent reviews.
A great precision German audio manufacturer.

Disclaimer: I presently have one listed in the classifieds.
pani
1,219 posts
 
Try to find an Ortofon SL15e with its own little SUT. It beats the Dyna 17D3, most Ortofons upto $2k and any typical MC cartridge under 1.5K quite seriously. It is an old cartridge so you may need to hunt for it a little but it is there in plenty. You will not regret it. And it should cost you well within $500 including its SUT.
rlawry
485 posts
 
Before I spent big bucks on Lyra cartridges from Audioquest and my current Titan i, I had several Grado cartridges and loved them. They are moving-magnet designs and have loads of output and a very robust sound. IMO these are very underrated cartridges and reasonably priced.
lewm
13,376 posts
 
Well said, but I think most Grado cartridges, if not all of them, are based on the moving iron principle, not MM. At least the best ones are. To the OP, you may want to look at the very long thread on MM and MI cartridges here. You will find more good ideas there than you can possibly sort out, re an inexpensive great sounding cartridge.
triode
263 posts
 
Second the Clearaudio Maestro Wood. A killer at its price.
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