CARTRIDGE HUNT

[rollo]

 Ah is it nobler to choose MM or MC. The hunt is on. Looking at Grado Statement2 or Koetsu Urishi, Lyra Kleos or Kiseiki. Using an Audio Hungary tubed phono with both MM and MC cards. Arm is Kuzma 12" VTA adj. Any input ???


charles

[S Clark]

   I'll be interested in the responses... but way above my paygrade. 

[BobM]

I have the Kleos and would never go back to MM again.

[jimbones]

Agree, MC is a better choice

[S Clark]

So is it universal that none of us wants a MM on our tonearms? 
My Dyna 20x2L and my Blackbird are not on the high end of MC, but they slaughter any MM that I've heard. 
ARE there any MM that compete in the $1K and up range?
Sorry to take your thread a bit astray, Charles. 

[Folsom]

I actually use a fairly cheap MM... and I'm sure many would think my stereo slaughters countless ones with MCs... I'm not saying I wouldn't like an MC, I just get so much out of an MM that I'm not sure why the effort of an MC would be necessary. Although I don't exactly have a "stock" phono preamp with all the typical flaws.

[Jack]

Charles

I think I am going to try a Hana MC next. Their top of the line has been getting rave reviews and is a little more sensibly priced if there is such a thing.

[S Clark]

I'm a rookie compared to many around here.  The MM I've tried were Shure v15 III, a Grado blue, and the ADC XLM MK III,  and a Signet TK 10 ML. Of that bunch, I probably liked the Grado the best.  None had the detail of my first MC, a Dyna 10x5. 
Folsom, which MM are you fond of?

[etcarroll]

Happy Hunting Charles!

I too will be interested in the responses, on my 2nd Dyna 20x2L and itching to try something new.

And like Jack, though not in your list of candidates, I hear lots of good buzz about Hana.

[rollo]

  I have and still own a Linn Arkiv and Micro Benz so I know what MC can offer. Using a Gold Note Boboli a HO MC as we speak. The Linn is .15mv a tough load. The Benz needs re-tipping. Thought about re-tipping Benz however not sure if worth it.
  The Audio Hungary Qualiton phono has both MM [ 40db ] and MC [ 62 db ]. Do not want to use a step up transformer.  I was always curious as to why Grado who has patent on MC only makes MM.
   MM has a midrange and bass advantage over MC IMHO. Where MC has a more 3D stage and a better and more open top end in my experience.
    Yesterday a good friend who is a carridget freak recommended Miyajima over the ones I mentioned. His ref was Koetsu for many many years now Miyajima. What to do.
     S. Clark talk away here no problem about any cart.


charles

[Brap]

FWIW, really like my Ortofon Quintet Bronze MC.

[jimbones]

  I have and still own a Linn Arkiv and Micro Benz so I know what MC can offer. Using a Gold Note Boboli a HO MC as we speak. The Linn is .15mv a tough load. The Benz needs re-tipping. Thought about re-tipping Benz however not sure if worth it.
  The Audio Hungary Qualiton phono has both MM [ 40db ] and MC [ 62 db ]. Do not want to use a step up transformer.  I was always curious as to why Grado who has patent on MC only makes MM.
   MM has a midrange and bass advantage over MC IMHO. Where MC has a more 3D stage and a better and more open top end in my experience.
    Yesterday a good friend who is a carridget freak recommended Miyajima over the ones I mentioned. His ref was Koetsu for many many years now Miyajima. What to do.
     S. Clark talk away here no problem about any cart.


charles

Charles, I would retip the Benz. Their carts are great. Even the cheap Benz is over $1000. Very Musical cart

[rollo]

I have the Kleos and would never go back to MM again.

  Well then I must get the Kleos. I missed my opportunity on the Atlas for 4K used for 100 hours. Dam.

charles


 

[steve]

So is it universal that none of us wants a MM on our tonearms? 
My Dyna 20x2L and my Blackbird are not on the high end of MC, but they slaughter any MM that I've heard. 
ARE there any MM that compete in the $1K and up range?
Sorry to take your thread a bit astray, Charles.

I have owned the Monster Alfa 1 and 2. I preferred the 1 due to No high frequency zing.

Right now, I am using the Accutex 320 lll STR (brick type) and have no desire to change it. Extremely open, dynamic, flat response to theoretical 45khz, although cable and other capacitances limit to ~35khz right now. Problems are both the cartridge and needle are not manufactured, so used sparingly.

https://www.vinylengine.com/library/acutex/m320.shtml

Near bottom of page below is description of the "perfect" STR needle.

http://www.turntableneedles.com/assets/images/eprod/acutex/acutex_cartridges.pdf

cheers
steve

[rollo]

   Cool Steve. BUMMER. It appears that both the Delos and Kleos are out of stock at the US distributor. Waiting sucks.


charles