Cartridge recommendations please.

[bob orbell]

Hi Gerry, I can only recomend Ortofon, I now use a cadenza blue, I know, a lot of money, but what a sound, the OC9 II you may find to bright, I had one a few months back and it did not go together well in my system, the rondo bronze may be a good choice for you, and is also very good sounding. The only MM that I realy like is the ortofon 2M black, very good and almost MC quality in the sound. No I don't have shares in Ortofon BOB

[Gerry B]

Just for reference I only recently got back into vinyl after a lay-off of some 30yrs! In those days cheap MM were my only option. Ended up with V15 on my Linn Axis/Basic
Recently I started again with Thorens TD160/ Mayware Formula IV and DL103R. Then DL160, both new. I found the DL160 more detailed in mid and top, though more clinical in sound. 103R was warmer and more solid in the bass.
Now I have 401/Jelco and ATF5
The ATF5 is pretty well used and has a bent stylus(student days) too, and I still prefer it!
It probably doesn't have the detail of the DL 160 but added a whole new soundstage dimension and somehow sounds more lifelike. Great bass too.
I now rather suspect I am going to have to spend a fair bit more and was thinking of ATOC9. Could be bright then?
I'm desperately trying to stop thinking about Kontra B and Cadenza.
Thanks all,
Gerry

[andrew ivimey]

Aha, I have a Kontra B - it is beautiful with its Ruby Cantiliver and almost since I bought it two years ago it has been gathering dust on the shelf. I used it for a few hours (10+-) on a 401 with a Roksan Arm and I can say that it is the best cartridge I have owned.

But it comes with a warning (and that's why it gathers dust). It is very expensive and I am clumsy! Since then I have gone back to a 103 which if I have an accident it just hurts... a bit!

I should get around to eBay but Gerry if you wanted to make me a serious offer... I know the RRP in UK but I bought it for £450 from Germany.

[Gerry B]

Hi Andrew,
Thanks. I'll send you a PM
Gerry

[bikerhifinut]

Originally Posted by colin.hepburn

I also have the gold ring 1042 which I like but find is a pain to setup to avoid sibilance from it I am now using ortofon 2M blue a very good cart for the money I feel
http://www.ortofon.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&It emid=70
but I thought you were looking at MC

So it's not just me?
I find that the 1042 seems, to my perception, to emphasise surface noise and clicks and pops. Used it on both my original Linnaxis/basik plus and on my current Gyro SE/RB600(Incognito wiring) and found its a sod to mount and set up.
I'm using an Ortofon Rondo Blue MC now and its nice.
Cartridges I think are so subjective that one mans meat really can be anothers poison!

If You're near enough to Stockton-on-Tees then a visit to Hi Fi Sound/2nd Hand Hi Fi could be worthwhile. You'll get good advice and a good choice of carts. And I'm not on a commission!

[Gerry B]

Thanks,
That's a new shop name to me, not that I fiind myself in the area very often!

[michael orme]

Goldring 1022GX in April 2012 issue of HI-FI World. 6 "Affordable" Moving Coil cartridges in May 2012's issue of HI-FI World.

[Phil Y]

I am a happy 1042 user. It does sound a bit "thin" if the arm base is too high though. A friend has an Ortofon 2M bronze and I would say they are of a similar standard, but the Goldring has a softer and sweeter sound but still all the detail.
Before the 1042 I had a Sumiko Bluepoint, and a Denon DL110. The Goldring is better than either of those (in my system) but I suppose it should be as it cost more!

Regards, Phil.

[michael orme]

Ortofon MC1 Turbo. Anyone using one?

[michael orme]

Cartridges Group Test £150 - £235 - News - Hi-Fi Choice Magazine. October, out now.