What cartridge do you recommend?

[gbhsi1]

Hi,

It's my birthday soon and I have decided I want a new cartridge..with the help of family and girlfriend to pitch in - I can get a cartridge between £250 - £450 so what choices do I have and which would you recommend? MC, MM or MI? As you all might know my system hardens a little on the higher frequencies when pushed so looking for a cartridge that has a smooth non edgy treble, good tight bass and a possess brilliant timing and detail. I have an experience 2 pro-ject turntable with 'currently' an ortofon 2m blue cartridge and a trichord dino phonostage...recommendations guys? Any make.

Regards,
Hugo

 

[plastic penguin]

If you have the Kandys, why the need for phono stage? The built-in jobbie is pretty darn good.

Won't go too far wrong with this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Clearaudio-Aurum-Classics-Woods-V2A-MM-Cartridge-/390382833380?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5ae4a14ee4

Usually retails around 350 mark.

 

[gbhsi1]

The built on phono stage is no comparison to the trichord dino that's a good choice but will it be any better than my current mm...?

 

[plastic penguin]

Oddly, when I bought the ClearAudio I did listen to price compatible cartridges from Ortofon (can't remember the models. It was a few years ago). The ClearAudio retailed then at 110 and Ortofons were 90 and 115 or 120 (I think) and the CA had the better all-round ability... by this time, also, the dealer was pulling lumps out of his head

The one on the link is the V2 or MKII, whereas mine is the original or MKI version. So this new one should have slight improvements.

The same cartridge as used with this TT: http://www.whathifi.com/review/clearaudio-emotion-package

 

[Anonymous]

If you thinking moving coil how about the hand built Benz Micro Ace S? Smooth even and should be a worthwhile improvement ove rthe Ortofon.

 

[altruistic.lemon]

When you choose a cartridge remember to check compliance. Not all cartridges suit all arms - low mass arms = high compliance cartridge, high mass arm = low compliance cartridge.

In your case, something like the Benz Micro Ace or Goldring 2500 would be fine, but the Dynavector 10x5 or Denon DL103 would not. There's heaps of info on the net if you want to check, and nearly all cartridge manufacturers supply compliancy figures.

 

[chebby]

Resonant frequency of cantilever

= 159 / square root of [ (effective mass + cart weight + fastener weight) x (compliance) ]

The Pro-ject 9cc arm has an effective mass of 8.5 grams (9 and 9c versions 11 grams) so just plug in the other variables for the cartridge you want (like it's weight and compliance and the weight of the little nuts and bolts).

Ideally the resonant frequency should be between 8 - 12 Hz (too low for anything recorded in the groove and too high for footfall or warps etc.)

 

[Anonymous]

Considered a Dynavector 10X5 or 20X? Both very musical cartridges and will repay you massively if you move on from the Pro-ject turntable. (I've found most Project arms have a fairly nasty colouring in the upper mid which tends to draw attention to itself in a brighter system).

 

[altruistic.lemon]

The Dynavector isn't suitable for that arm - low mass arm + low compliance cartridge isn't a good idea.

 

[gbhsi1]

I never thought that some cartridges were not good for my 9cc tonearm....I do learn something new everytime Will the Benz micro ace be a good choice then as recommended previously? What about the grado platinum or how about the ortofon (orthodontic if I use the iPhone's auto spell...ha ha) rondo red or blue?

 

[chebby]

I was about to suggest a Rondo Red.

Good mechanical match and comments like...

"the treble is very fine and avoids tizziness...the bass is remarkably articulate and muscular"*

...would seem to match your comments about treble.

(Pro-ject actually supply the Rondo Red as a part of their X-Pack.)

You will need the Pro-ject 80g counterweight...

http://www.henleydesigns.co.uk/product.asp?shop=1&ProductID=821

...otherwise the standard counterweight will be right on the very end of the counterweight stub.

*From a 'Best Buy' review in another publication.

 

[gbhsi1]

I have that counterweight already, I'm using it for my 2m blue. The Rondo red looks very promising! Would you think the rondo blue would be wasted on this arm and turntable?

 

[altruistic.lemon]

Yes, the Ortofon Rondo Red would be fine as Chebby says, as would the Grado. The Benz, although I've not heard one for a long time, or the Ortofon would be my preference.

The Grado family generally (I've not heard the Platinum) have slightly rolled back treble, slightly forward midrange and bass that can sometimes be a tad plummy.

They're suited jazz and soft rock, and some classical, but not the harder driving stuff. Also be aware they can pick up hum from anywhere, as they're not shielded, including the turntable motor, so positioning of the rest of your equipment can be critical.

 

[gbhsi1]

I have that counterweight already, I'm using it for my 2m blue. The Rondo red looks very promising! Would you think the rondo blue would be wasted on this arm and turntable?