Post by jon on Nov 29, 2019 11:21:37 GMT 12
Hi
In the New Year it will be time to consider a new cartridge. I've been a long time devotee of the Denon 103( & 103R). I like it's midrange and the way it handles itself, however with a new turntable coming to fruition (the Breve) I want a fancy new cartridge.
My other cartridge is a Decca London Gold, by the way.
So requirements:
Budget
In the 1K - 2K range, I can't justify anything more expensive but also feel that it would be a large step up from the Denon
Music (I listen to)
In no particular order...
Classical From medieval through to the 21st century.
Jazz All schools (including fusion)
Rock & Pop I like Sunn O)))... I also like Abba (go figure)
So the cartridge cannot be a specialist for one type of music - must be a good all-rounder.
In the past I've heard the EMT TSD15, sadly no longer in production, however I liked it a lot, but never had the budget to buy one.
So any recommendations for me to explore given the above very catholic taste and the budget range would be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance
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Pundit
Post by Dom on Nov 29, 2019 15:08:48 GMT 12
Excellent, I actually have something to contribute in this price-range. I have similar tastes but don't go down as low as Sunn O))). Okay, for classical, I'd heartily recommend the Hana ML. For jazz, I recommend the Hana ML in a heartbeat. For pop (incidentally, I'm another big ABBA fan) I'd recommend the Hana ML. So there's three to choose between. HTH?
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Post by cartridgeguyonline on Nov 29, 2019 16:54:09 GMT 12
Whats the arm you will be using on the breve ? And whats your phono stage ? (does it have both MM and MC input, load options ?)
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Post by Citroen on Nov 29, 2019 18:00:41 GMT 12
jon I'm a huge Denon 103r fanboy (with about half a dozen variants) and the EMT JSD6 which offers more of the same but in a much refined manner, so I can see why you liked the TSD15. Currently using a Lyra Delos, which I think falls in your budget. A great universal cart which I use with mainly jazz, but also classical. And a bit of The Bug vs Earth, Dan Weiss and even Justin Bieber... (yeah, I know, credibility instantly destroyed!). It has the midrange richness, yet its fast and detailed. Try to audition one as you might like it.
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Post by michaelw on Nov 29, 2019 18:06:40 GMT 12
i second the lyra delos 
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Pundit
Post by Neil on Nov 29, 2019 18:25:00 GMT 12
In the past I've heard the EMT TSD15, sadly no longer in production, however I liked it a lot, but never had the budget to buy one.
So any recommendations for me to explore given the above very catholic taste and the budget range would be gratefully received.
Thanks in advance
I actually have a brand new TSD-15n in stock...I use EMT almost exclusively and have equally eclectic tastes, was listening to Sunn O))) today.
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Post by Citroen on Nov 29, 2019 18:36:12 GMT 12
Neil jon what's the RRP for the TSD-15n?
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Post by jon on Nov 29, 2019 19:58:52 GMT 12
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Post by jon on Nov 29, 2019 20:04:23 GMT 12
and before I forget, thanks ever so for the suggestions.
If there are others, I'd be delighted to explore.
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Post by andrewp on Nov 29, 2019 20:42:38 GMT 12
While I have no suggestions my advice would be to look in the pre loved sections of Tm and Stereonet in Aus. Cartridges cost beggar all to send and you well may find a great deal. Obviously buying second hand BUT you can also save many hundreds of dollars in the process. Worth a look and costs nothing. Guys here will advise you if any contenders are worthy of your system Im sure.
All the best and kind regards.
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Post by jon on Nov 30, 2019 6:51:08 GMT 12
Neil jon what's the RRP for the TSD-15n? I'll second that!
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Pundit
Post by Neil on Nov 30, 2019 7:24:29 GMT 12
I'll have to check and see what it cost. I'm not back in the shop until Monday, but will let you know then
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Post by jon on Nov 30, 2019 8:09:31 GMT 12
Thanks, Neil. Have a good weekend!
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Pundit
Post by Mike A on Nov 30, 2019 14:22:28 GMT 12
Another alternative is the EAT Jo No5, I prefer it to my TSD15.
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Post by jon on Nov 30, 2019 15:15:57 GMT 12
Another alternative is the EAT Jo No5, I prefer it to my TSD15. That's a new one for me, thank you.
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Post by jon on Nov 30, 2019 15:16:45 GMT 12
I must admit I thought you'd had a bad hair day on the typo front (such is the depth of my ignorance) :-)
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Pundit
Post by Mike A on Nov 30, 2019 15:27:19 GMT 12
I must admit I thought you'd had a bad hair day on the typo front (such is the depth of my ignorance) :-) Ha, every day is a bad hair day 
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Pundit
Post by Mike A on Nov 30, 2019 15:29:22 GMT 12
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Post by michaelw on Dec 2, 2019 10:44:37 GMT 12
there's also those two old faithfuls in the cartridge world, ortofon and audio technica, both have good units within budget.
ortofon have several quintet models, also the entry level cadenza red,
audio technica has the latest versions of the at-oc9, at33, art9
sumiko still has a presence with various bluepoint specials and the new songbird $1499.
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Post by jon on Dec 3, 2019 8:55:10 GMT 12
At this stage we have these candidates... I'll add in my comments and remember that this is particular to my set up so for others your mileage may vary. Never having heard any of these cartridges this is all speculation on my part.
1) EMT TSD15N (I found a brand new one being sold in NZ)
The phono stage will not like the 1.05mV output. I am going to have to drop this one. I could change my phono but that's an additional expense...
2) Lyra Delos
From all the reports I've seen the Delos is an excellent cartridge however it is very analytical and so for me, a music lover, not suitable.
3) Hana ML
Good output that is in range for my stage, rave reviews, still a candidate
4) EAT Jo No5
As the Hana ML
5) Dynavector XX2
It's bass heavy, apparently, and I'd prefer a more evenly balanced cartridge from a tonal and frequency perspective, so I will drop from my list.
6) Dynavector 20X2
Very balanced, so will retain as a candidate. Must remember that there is a high output and a low output version. Buy the low, audition if possible.
7) AT-OC9XML
I'm seeing mixed reviews here, and it is obvious this is one of those love/hate cartridges. In addition it may not like my Illustrious arm too much, at an effective mass of 14.7grammes it is close to the limit for the cartridge. If I can audition one, then that may be important. Retain for now.
8 ) Other Carts
Still researching the Ortofon Cadenza red.
I've dropped the Sumiko Songbird (2.5mV output is way too high for my stage)
What is obvious to me at this stage is that long term I'm going to have to move away from His Master's Noise, excellent though it is. The requirement for low output cartridges is a limiting factor in some of the candidates I can select.
A new phono stage, and probably a SUT for the low output carts I like will be next after this cartridge.
So current list:
Hana ML
EAT Jo No5
Dynavector 20X2
AT-OC9XML
This has been a fascinating journey and your comments have been revealing and enlightening. My thanks and keep them coming.
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Post by michaelw on Dec 3, 2019 10:11:56 GMT 12
re: delos i've been using one for nearly three years now and it is not analytical, not even in a naim based system. the new generation lyras are not like their earlier cartridges which could take your ears off. the delos is fast, resolving and tonally neutral. and a huge bargain in nz
ps a few more to consider.
ultimate audio in auck are distributors for transfiguration and xyz
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Post by cartridgeguyonline on Dec 3, 2019 11:35:48 GMT 12
MW has a Naim based system !!!!
Apart from that little shocker, not much to add but I used to have the previous version of the AT the OC9 Mk3 and i found that to be fairly bright and unrelentless in my system, mind you the mate I gave it to, loves it for its detail and resolution. Real personal thing cartridges....
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Post by michaelw on Dec 3, 2019 13:09:04 GMT 12
no, not me ! the guy who bought my old well tempered turntable is the naimie another out of the box suggestion... if you like the denon 103... the 100th anniversary dla-100 is still available from some sellers. it's a supercharged 103 and sounds rather nice.
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Post by Citroen on Dec 3, 2019 14:37:48 GMT 12
I don't find the Delos analytical at all in my system. It is resolving, but has meat in the midband. And I also consider myself a music lover too! I have an AT OC9II which I find thin sounding. The Delos is nothing like that. I've owned the Dyn DV20xL and currently have a DV20x2H. I enjoy the Delos a lot more. But no idea what it would sound like on an Illustrious arm. And even though I do have a Terminator, none of these carts were ever tried on it either.
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Pundit
Post by harvey on Dec 3, 2019 17:51:40 GMT 12
+1 on the Delos, I've found it to be detailed and musical at the same time however I'm running tubes I'm my pre amp so this may help take the edge off it a little. Cartridges must be the hardest but one of the most important parts in the chain to match with a system but difficult/impossible to home demo, makes for a difficult decision.
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Post by cartridgeguyonline on Dec 3, 2019 18:02:42 GMT 12
No not impossible to home demo at all, although admittedly I dont have a huge range atm. And some of these brands I dont represent at all...
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Post by michaelw on Dec 3, 2019 18:17:59 GMT 12
you lyra guys using lyra spt on your delos ?
instant supercharge !
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Post by Citroen on Dec 3, 2019 18:29:45 GMT 12
No, only occasional Last Stylus cleaner and Stylast as far as fluids on my carts go.
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Pundit
Post by harvey on Dec 3, 2019 18:30:35 GMT 12
you lyra guys using lyra spt on your delos ? instant supercharge ! Oh thanks Michael, I've spent enough money the last few weeks.
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Pundit
Post by harvey on Dec 3, 2019 18:42:39 GMT 12
No not impossible to home demo at all, although admittedly I dont have a huge range atm. And some of these brands I dont represent at all... I did say difficult/impossible. Certainly not the easiest component to home demo due to the large selection available and limited accessibility....
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