blakey72 Posted October 10, 2024 Posted October 10, 2024 Oldish thread but need to get things moving around here. Can't say I've heard a huge number of carts, probably 15-20. My favourite's have been the Audio Technica AT150MLX and my current cart the Nagaoka MP-200. I love both however they are quite different carts. The AT150 is a very accurate, analytical and exciting cart which is great for hearing everything on the recording, kind of like my PMC speakers. The MP-200 is still very detailed but much more laid back, neutral and easy to listen to. I think the cart that was the most disappointing to me was the Ortofon 2M Black. I was expecting great things from it but it just did nothing for me. I actually enjoying my very first cart, the Ortofon 2M Blue more. 4
Batty Posted October 10, 2024 Posted October 10, 2024 I have not had any high end carts, the Goldring 1042 worked well on my Rock, that was bettered by a Sumiko Blue Point special 3, but best so far on the Rock has been a VdH DDT-II special. On the Luxman PD264 a well set up OM10 was an eye opener. At the moment I have a DL103r that I need to listen to. Best on that TT so is a V15 type III with a Jico SAS stylus. The arm is a Acos Lustre GST-1 and the base plate has been replaced to stiffen the whole thing up. 2
jfds Posted October 17, 2024 Posted October 17, 2024 On 03/12/2023 at 10:15 AM, Gandra said: I love my DS Audio DS003. And my Benz LPS And my Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum. Agree with Micro Benz LPS, have lighter LP after having Micro Ace SL and love it. Ace SL wasn't bad either.
Tone Malone Posted October 29, 2024 Posted October 29, 2024 Wish I had the budget to compare more carts ... in my case I pulled the trigger based on reviews, and replaced a budget MM cart with a Nagaoka MP300, which I'm very happy with. My experience is consistent with most reviews of Nagaoka carts - they retrieve a lot of detail (for their relative price points) without sounding too analytical. I'm impressed with the MP300's bass retrieval as well. That said, I have little idea of whether it was worth the extra cost over an MP200, nor whether I should at some stage upgrade the stylus to the MP500. Short of winning 1st division Lotto, it will probably remain a case of taking an educated guess!
PKay Posted October 30, 2024 Posted October 30, 2024 On 10/10/2024 at 9:04 PM, blakey72 said: Oldish thread but need to get things moving around here. Can't say I've heard a huge number of carts, probably 15-20. My favourite's have been the Audio Technica AT150MLX and my current cart the Nagaoka MP-200. I love both however they are quite different carts. The AT150 is a very accurate, analytical and exciting cart which is great for hearing everything on the recording, kind of like my PMC speakers. The MP-200 is still very detailed but much more laid back, neutral and easy to listen to. I think the cart that was the most disappointing to me was the Ortofon 2M Black. I was expecting great things from it but it just did nothing for me. I actually enjoying my very first cart, the Ortofon 2M Blue more. I had the Black for a very short stint. Not my cup of tea and on sold very quickly.
jfds Posted October 30, 2024 Posted October 30, 2024 Remember having an Ortfon MC200 mounted on a Grace 727 tonearm on a Thorens TD160S turntable. Very nice cerebral (refined) sounding cartridge that required a high gain phono preamp, if l recall correctly output was .09mV ! image from web. 2
drmini Posted November 9, 2024 Posted November 9, 2024 I'm back, after many years absence! I've run a TD160 Thorens with a V15-111 since the 1980s. It still sounds great, but recently the VN35HE stylus got damaged. Whilst waiting for an aftermarket stylus from USA I acquired a NOS Stanton Mk5 with D5 elliptical stylus. It's a little bright, also has some sibilance on vocals. Tracks at 2g. The Shure V15-111 is more detailed IMO, even with its new VN35E aftermarket stylus. 1
andyr Posted November 9, 2024 Posted November 9, 2024 (edited) On 30/10/2024 at 8:45 AM, Tone Malone said: That said, I have little idea of whether it was worth the extra cost over an MP200, nor whether I should at some stage upgrade the stylus to the MP500. Short of winning 1st division Lotto, it will probably remain a case of taking an educated guess! Tony ( @Tasebass) has an MP500 ... and loves it! I think he would say ... yes, upgrade to the MP500 when your 'use hours' are up. Edited November 12, 2024 by andyr
David A Posted November 12, 2024 Posted November 12, 2024 My favourite cartidge would be the Etsuro Gold Special Edition mc cart. 1 1
Be Quiet...Listen Posted November 12, 2024 Posted November 12, 2024 6 hours ago, David A said: My favourite cartidge would be the Etsuro Gold Special Edition mc cart. What does it sound like? And what was the associated equipment used in its playback? 1
Tone Malone Posted November 12, 2024 Posted November 12, 2024 14 hours ago, cafe67 said: The next one, I buy Just looked up the Etsuro. Got a spare $30-40k? 1
michaelw Posted November 13, 2024 Posted November 13, 2024 On 30/10/2024 at 3:48 PM, jfds said: Remember having an Ortfon MC200 mounted on a Grace 727 tonearm on a Thorens TD160S turntable. Very nice cerebral (refined) sounding cartridge that required a high gain phono preamp, if l recall correctly output was .09mV ! image from web. I have the P-mount version TMC200 in my Technics SL-7. Definitely needs a high gain phono stage - I use a PureAudio Vinyl. It works well, better than the MC2000/3000s I've used in the past. 1
andyr Posted November 13, 2024 Posted November 13, 2024 3 hours ago, michaelw said: I have the P-mount version TMC200 in my Technics SL-7. Definitely needs a high gain phono stage - I use a PureAudio Vinyl. It works well, better than the MC2000/3000s I've used in the past. .09mV - ouch! Yes, a 72dB phono stage is needed - perhaps even a bit higher. Or a 1:40 SUT feeding a standard 40dB MM phono stage. But I notice your PureAudio Vinyl phono stage only has 62dB gain: However, it offers quite a variety of loadings; I'm interested to know what you found sounded the best.
frankn Posted November 13, 2024 Posted November 13, 2024 (edited) The one I’m currently using is the best I’ve ever owned (now on my 2nd one), but it is very demanding of the vinyl, small scratches etc. are very noticeable , on quiet passages or the silent grooves between tracks any dust or damage is very apparent. Lyra Kleos, before that I owned 2 Lyra Delos, and before that a Clear Audio Maestro Wood (I still have it) and prior to that a Sumiko Blue Point. I’ve enjoyed all of them. Going forward, not sure where I will go. Good quality, quiet and flat new Vinyl seems more and more difficult to purchase. Edited November 13, 2024 by frankn Correction
David A Posted November 13, 2024 Posted November 13, 2024 (edited) 15 hours ago, Be Quiet...Listen said: What does it sound like? And what was the associated equipment used in its playback? As I don't own a tt, my following comment is based on my own research incl: reading reviews and forum threads. So take it with a grain of salt. Of course your vinyl rig will influence how good or bad this cart sounds. But as a general comment, I would say highly resolving, transparent and refined, but in an organic way with good dynamics/energy. If your setup is up to snuff, this cart will allow you to see further into the recording than most other carts, but in a non-fatiguing way. Edited November 13, 2024 by David A 3
astormsau Posted November 16, 2024 Posted November 16, 2024 On 11/10/2024 at 7:30 AM, Batty said: I have not had any high end carts, the Goldring 1042 worked well on my Rock, that was bettered by a Sumiko Blue Point special 3, but best so far on the Rock has been a VdH DDT-II special. On the Luxman PD264 a well set up OM10 was an eye opener. At the moment I have a DL103r that I need to listen to. Best on that TT so is a V15 type III with a Jico SAS stylus. The arm is a Acos Lustre GST-1 and the base plate has been replaced to stiffen the whole thing up. Fellow DDTII owner here and absolutely love it! They don’t get much mention on here
aussievintage Posted November 16, 2024 Posted November 16, 2024 A generic answer here, but I have great respect for older cartridges, and they remain my favourites. I have yet to hear a fancy new cartridge, and I have listened to quite a few that I liked, that makes me want to change. Two best examples, Stanton 681eee and Shure M75/91 (even early M95).
mkaramazov Posted November 16, 2024 Posted November 16, 2024 On 13/11/2024 at 2:49 PM, michaelw said: I have the P-mount version TMC200 in my Technics SL-7. Definitely needs a high gain phono stage - I use a PureAudio Vinyl. It works well, better than the MC2000/3000s I've used in the past. The p-mount version is a truly rare beast. It must sound fantastic in the SL7.
Peterbean Posted November 16, 2024 Posted November 16, 2024 I like the FR range, notably the fr7 and 1/s 1
marcusD Posted November 18, 2024 Posted November 18, 2024 On 16/11/2024 at 3:07 PM, Peterbean said: I like the FR range, notably the fr7 and 1/s Meeee tooooo i have a fr7 mc702 on. FR64s on my sp10 at the moment, great cart 1
jfds Posted November 18, 2024 Posted November 18, 2024 On 16/11/2024 at 11:24 AM, astormsau said: Fellow DDTII owner here and absolutely love it! They don’t get much mention on here Very nice turntable / arm setup !
Guest Moon 600i V2 Posted November 18, 2024 Posted November 18, 2024 Over the last twenty years I have had Benz ACE, Benz Glider and now Ortofon Cadenza Blue on my Rega P25 and then P8. I might go back to Benz because I have a Lukaschek PP1-T9 and it has been shared that it mates best with Benz carts. Beats me, every change was done in concert with something else, so I don't have a winner. However, they all pleased me at the time. That damn itch has me considering a Goldring Ethos because I'm weak. I may need an intervention.
aussievintage Posted November 18, 2024 Posted November 18, 2024 2 minutes ago, Moon 600i V2 said: I might go back to Benz because I have a Lukaschek PP1-T9 and it has been shared that it mates best with Benz carts. Wondering why. If has strict adherence to RIAA why would it matter which cartridge you use with it?
andyr Posted November 18, 2024 Posted November 18, 2024 31 minutes ago, Moon 600i V2 said: I might go back to Benz because I have a Lukaschek PP1-T9 and it has been shared that it mates best with Benz carts. 28 minutes ago, aussievintage said: Wondering why. If has strict adherence to RIAA why would it matter which cartridge you use with it? I believe it's bcoz Herr Lucaschek considers Benz wood-bodies sound their best when loaded very high - so he made the Zin of the PP1-T9 22K. (This wouldn't suit many other carts.)
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