What cartrige should i buy in the $500 - $2000 price range?

[ENIGMA]

Ok i need the SNA invaluable advice, this is a hard one because of the varying opinions and comments that will result.

My orig thread with recommendations has dissapeared with the SNA upgrade and i need to decide.

Is it possible to narrow it down to at least 5 top cartridges?

This is for a Gyodec SE with Origin live Encounter arm, also for my own Slate TT with Delrin platter. MM RIAA tube phonostage, so any MC has to be high output.

I was thinking;

Ortofon - 2M Black or Kontraplunkt 2 (blue one - i think that's how it is spelt)

Lyra if possible

Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood

Sumiko blackbird

Any thoughts?

Happy for sponsors to jump in and make recommendations of their products. (PM if you are shy)

Edited January 15, 2010 by ENIGMA

[firefly0071]

My wife would have a fit if I spent $2k on a cartridge.

My friends think I am weird already because I spend $4k + on speakers.

On this site I am considered "normal" - more windown shopping.

[Jake]

Here's a place to start if you are not already aware of the shop.

Cheers,

Jake

[metal beat]

Enigma

Given you phono stage, I would stick to MM carts.

two obvious choices are the Ortofon Black whioch I have not heard, but is very well regarded.

and Nagaoka MP-50 which you can get from LPgear for around $US 495 and it is a VERY high performer - clean transparent sounding with great dynamics. I have one running at home and on par with anything out there up to 2k.

[Keith_W]

Want to borrow my Lyra? Probably won't suit, given your phono stage.

[stereodave]

Enigma,

I'm using a Lyra Dorian on my Gyrodec and am very happy with it. If more gain is necessary get a Paris headamp from Hugh Dean. I purchased both late last year and the total cost was well under $2000.

[GryphonGuy]

The Sumiko Blackbird is a quiet cartridge with great and taught bass response together with super clean mids and uppers. AND it's about $1k here in AUS so it is well within your budget.

Due to its high output and being a Moving Coil cartridge it is at ease working with MM designed phono stages. However, it is in the top few percentiles for performance on a Manley Steelhead.

[ENIGMA]

My wife would have a fit if I spent $2k on a cartridge.

My friends think I am weird already because I spend $4k + on speakers.

On this site I am considered "normal" - more windown shopping.

You think my wife is any different!

Here's a place to start if you are not already aware of the shop.

Cheers,

Jake

Thanks Jake, I have bought cartridges from him before, great seller.

Enigma

Given you phono stage, I would stick to MM carts.

two obvious choices are the Ortofon Black whioch I have not heard, but is very well regarded.

and Nagaoka MP-50 which you can get from LPgear for around $US 495 and it is a VERY high performer - clean transparent sounding with great dynamics. I have one running at home and on par with anything out there up to 2k.

The ortofon keeps poping up to the top of my list, i will look into the Nagoda, ta.

Want to borrow my Lyra? Probably won't suit, given your phono stage.

Do i have to give it back?

The Sumiko Blackbird is a quiet cartridge with great and taught bass response together with super clean mids and uppers. AND it's about $1k here in AUS so it is well within your budget.

Due to its high output and being a Moving Coil cartridge it is at ease working with MM designed phono stages. However, it is in the top few percentiles for performance on a Manley Steelhead.

This one is the antagonist to the 2Mblack, i think i will be happy with either of these.

Thanks guys, very much appreciated. My goal is to get the best i can out of vinyl, i've heard too many wonderfull vinyl setups to justify improving my digital set up higher than where it is currently at.