aertex Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 hello all I figured a few lockdowns across the country might give opportunity to vinyl guys to share their thoughts on a cartridge recomendation. What is out there in the mc range which would satisfy preferences for an organic, natural, lush, rich, yet dynamic sound-as opposed to just thick and syrupy? I am thinking maybe Allaerts, Miyajima, Kondo and possibly other Japanese carts? Makes and models please. Prefer opinions based on personal usage and also,as some of the carts can be straospherically priced.................feel free to start from the least $$ cost upwards, rather than the other way around. I guess, as a rough guide (if anybody needs one?) is say up to $2000 used. Vocals particularly must sound just right. What do you know? Thanks in advance
gat474 Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 Whilst I haven’t listened to a range of MC carts I’m using a Shelter 901 mk3 which I bought from Wyndham Audio which seems to be ‘just right’. Not too forward, not too wooly, right amount of everything. Might be above your budget but by all accounts the Shelter range have a family sound. 1
Batty Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 I use a Van den Hul DDT-II special, does everything right and is their lowest priced offering at about $1500. 1
aertex Posted July 19, 2021 Author Posted July 19, 2021 thanks for list so far. Some of these I sort of suspected may come up. The Supex is something that has spiked my interest for a while. Please keep them coming
andyr Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 27 minutes ago, aertex said: hello all I figured a few lockdowns across the country might give opportunity to vinyl guys to share their thoughts on a cartridge recomendation. What is out there in the mc range which would satisfy preferences for an organic, natural, lush, rich, yet dynamic sound-as opposed to just thick and syrupy? ... Prefer opinions based on personal usage and also,as some of the carts can be straospherically priced.................feel free to start from the least $$ cost upwards, rather than the other way around. I guess, as a rough guide (if anybody needs one?) is say up to $2000 used. Vocals particularly must sound just right. What do you know? Thanks in advance @MattyW?? Andy
rantan Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 (edited) Dynavector DV-20 X11. I have owned one for about 18 months now and it just does everything right. Edited July 19, 2021 by rantan 1
gibbo9000 Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 Big fan of the Hana ML here. Very nicely balanced all round. 3
aertex Posted July 19, 2021 Author Posted July 19, 2021 any thoughts on Koetsu MC1? Particularly compared to Supex 900
rossb Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 A Benz Glider should match your requirements perfectly.
aertex Posted July 19, 2021 Author Posted July 19, 2021 rossb, thanks for that. Seems like a few unhappy Benz Glider owners out there, dropping channels and the like? Seems like there is some sort of trend? I dont think I could handle another project right now. Cart sounds good hoever.
rossb Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 I've never heard about dropped channels on Gliders, and I've owned at least three of them, and maybe a dozen Benz cartridges in total, without any issues at all.
Gryffles Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 19 minutes ago, rossb said: I've never heard about dropped channels on Gliders, and I've owned at least three of them, and maybe a dozen Benz cartridges in total, without any issues at all. I've owned 4 Benz carts and never an issue either. None were Gliders though
MattyW Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 1 hour ago, andyr said: @MattyW?? Andy Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with modding a standard DL103. I don't much like the 103R but the standard model is fantastic fitted into a Stanley Engineering wood body, the cantilever replaced with either hollow hardened aluminum or boron and a microtracer tip installed. Not an expensive cart though it adds up a bit with mods. 1
THOMO Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 I really like the Ortofon Rondo Red.There are still some of them available at a moderate price.I have owned far more expensive cartridges but there is just something "right" sounding about them.Better imaging than the Denon 103 but similar sort of smooth and slightly rich tone. Come for a listen if you like Aertex.
aertex Posted July 19, 2021 Author Posted July 19, 2021 (edited) Thanks for the input Jon. I was sort of hoping you would throw your hat in the cartridge ring I started. I will certainly like to take you up on your offer as a trip down your way is long overdue. How would you say a Supex 900 compares to the Rondo red, as I know you are familiar with and have been a keen fan of the 900-in regard to a bit of a dissection of each? cheers Alan Edited July 19, 2021 by aertex
annapurna Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 I had Koetsu Urushi, Clearaudio Titanium V2 and now using Ortofon Anna Diamond in my setup. For warm sound with lush vocals, strings sound, Koetsu is great but it lost out in terms of resolution, speed and dynamic range as compared to Clearaudio Titanium V2 and Ortofon Anna Diamond. For rock music and jazz, Clearudio is good as it is very fast and detail with high transparency. The Anna Diamond has got speed, transparency and the best traits of Clearaudio but it sounded more organic and natural. So my take is if you prefer warm sound, Koetsu cart will suit the bill. If you want speed, plenty of attack, for rock of jazz fusion, you can try Clearaudio MC cart, they all have same internal 24K gold coils. For a balance between the 2, you can try Ortofon.
andyr Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 1 minute ago, annapurna said: I had Koetsu Urushi, Clearaudio Titanium V2 and now using Ortofon Anna Diamond in my setup. For warm sound with lush vocals, strings sound, Koetsu is great but it lost out in terms of resolution, speed and dynamic range as compared to Clearaudio Titanium V2 and Ortofon Anna Diamond. For rock music and jazz, Clearudio is good as it is very fast and detail with high transparency. The Anna Diamond has got speed, transparency and the best traits of Clearaudio but it sounded more organic and natural. So my take is if you prefer warm sound, Koetsu cart will suit the bill. If you want speed, plenty of attack, for rock of jazz fusion, you can try Clearaudio MC cart, they all have same internal 24K gold coils. For a balance between the 2, you can try Ortofon. The OP asked for a price which is A$2K, max! I don't think any of your suggestions are within that ballpark (new, anyway)? Andy
MattyW Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 There's always the Audio Technica ART9, but it's no longer the value proposition it once was
artaudio Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 for a well balanced cartridge look at the Dynavector range... I just upgraded from the XX2 mkII to the XV1s the XX2 was great but the XV1s is just another level up... I'm not looking forward to the day when i'm retired and need to drop down in level to keep playing my vinyl. the XX2 would almost fit you budget new and fits your sonic requirements.
THOMO Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 2 hours ago, aertex said: Thanks for the input Jon. I was sort of hoping you would throw your hat in the cartridge ring I started. I will certainly like to take you up on your offer as a trip down your way is long overdue. How would you say a Supex 900 compares to the Rondo red, as I know you are familiar with and have been a keen fan of the 900-in regard to a bit of a dissection of each? cheers Alan I had a Soundsmith retipped Supex which was decent but nothing special.Herringboy had an original that was better.But I preferred both my Nagaoka MP 500 and the Rondo Red to them.Of course the variable is always the tonearm and phono stage matching. 1
Tax Posted July 19, 2021 Posted July 19, 2021 @aertex It's been a while. Hope you are safe and well over in the West. What arm and phono are you intending to pair with the cartridge? Look for a used Miyabi if you can find one. Also a Fidelity Research FR1mk3f silver coiled version if you can find one. They are a hidden gem. There are many FR1's for sale but you are looking for a Mark3F not Mk1 or M2 or Mk3. However 0.14mV output so the phono will need a good 70dB or a combo of a decent step up/phono but you will be rewarded.
aertex Posted July 19, 2021 Author Posted July 19, 2021 (edited) thanks annapurna, Matty, Jon and Art. The Koestsu I have heard were too orcused on the lush and syrupy for me although it was a while ago now and cant exactly remember which one-think it was Rosewood?I have liked the decent Dyna's but again quite thick and a tad heavy-nothing not to like really but looking to explore some special organic purity with speed and dynamics that typically is limited to the more expensive mc cartridges. Looking for that sleeper or 2 the over performs in these areas particularly. Hello Tax. Good to hear from you too. A seasoned vinyl campaigner with typically great taste as I recall! The Miyabi is a cartridge of interest too although never heard one. Pretty hard to find used in the price range in Australia though? The Fidelity Research FR1mk3f is one I am totally unfamiliar with but will check out now you mention it. Output is pretty low. Arm I have is Shroeder Model 2 and Herron VTPH-2 tube phono with 64db mc gain. I dont have a step up and hoped not to have to go down that path. cheers, Alan Edited July 19, 2021 by aertex
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