Cartridge Shopping Looking for Recommendations
 

Hello everyone, I’m shopping for a new cart and looking for recommendations from the experienced group here.

I’m currently running the MC Sumiko BlackBird Cart (0.7mV version) on a Pro-Ject Xtension 10 Turntable. Phono stage is internal to my VAC Signiture SE.

Consider budget somewhat open just not crazy high.

What kind of sound do you prefer? Cartridges are like speakers in that they have very real differences in sound signatures, from romantic to analytical. From Koetsu to Ortofon - a huge palette to choose from.

Your current cartridge is whispering upgrade....why?

I had a Blackbird lo and I didn’t like it over the long haul. Sounded impressive at first but then was overall too sibilant for my tastes.

Moving up the Sumiko line to the Palo Santos Presentation was a completely different experience. I really love it.

I think reading Fremer’s reviews of your current cartridge and others is a good way to get you calibrated. I bought the Palo Santos after reading his review.

The most neutral cartridge I've ever owned is a Dynavector D17v3. Still have it.

Tom

Tom makes some very valid points. Tell us more of what your after with respect to 'sound'. Myself, I've been a Benz Micro guy for some time now (Gullwing)

And, I prefer Lyra, Ortofon & Audio Technica. As mentioned, most cartridge suppliers have a 'house sound', which becomes more 'refined' as one moves up their line.

Great points. Currently my system VERY SLIGHTLY leans towards a detailed, precise, and cooler sonic signature so I would like to avoid anything that would push me further in that direction. I was thinking of targeting a more balanced or slightly warm sounding cart. But not overboard with warmth to lose that speed/detail of instruments.

Reasons for upgrading, mostly age of current cart (4 years) but I’m also thinking this is one of the weaker spots in my system, relatively speaking.

The Lyra Etna recently caught my attention but 1) I’m worried that might not be balenced or warm enough 2) cost was a little more than I wanted to spend.

What's the upper ceiling of your budget? It would be helpful to know if you're in the $2500, $6000 or $16,000 price range, 'cause there's a lot of possible recommendations under "crazy high".

Let’s say $3000 - $6000ish.

Koetsu Rosewood Signature. Relax, sit back and enjoy!

robd2.......Ortofon Cadenza Black.......and have enough money left for a nice little vacation.


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I agree with Dan, I'm not sure the synergy of a, lets say 6k cartridge will be optimized with a pro-ject tonearm. IMO you would be better off with a lesser priced cartridge and save your pennies for a turntable upgrade down the road or take a vacation as Dan suggested !