Calling all cartridge experts

toobluvr · May 08, 2019, 03:20:55 PM

If you are somewhat close to Long Beach I'm happy to help, if you need it.

I've set up several dozen carts for myself and local buddies. Matter of fact, I helped Triode Pete set up his CA Maestro when he first got his WT table from Fred the Lampizatorman.

jimbones · May 08, 2019, 07:26:46 PM

I like Petes set up. The CA is supposed to be very good and sounds like it!

toobluvr · May 09, 2019, 08:57:08 AM

Quote from: jimbones on May 08, 2019, 07:26:46 PM
I like Petes set up. The CA is supposed to be very good and sounds like it!

I have owned both. I much prefer your 20X low output.

jimbones · May 09, 2019, 09:26:22 AM

Quote from: toobluvr on May 09, 2019, 08:57:08 AM
Quote from: jimbones on May 08, 2019, 07:26:46 PM
I like Petes set up. The CA is supposed to be very good and sounds like it!

I have owned both. I much prefer your 20X low output.

The CA is a MM cart. That may have something to do with performance. I am told ultimately LOMC is where it is at for performance

toobluvr · May 09, 2019, 11:03:55 AM

Some guys prefer MM. Or perhaps more accurately, they prefer high output (HO) in general which includes Moving Iron and some MC.

Witness this, the most popular Analog discussion thread on AG (over 13k posts, and almost 21mm views):

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/who-needs-a-mm-cartridge-type-when-we-have-mc

I haven't owned tons of HO carts (maybe 10 or so) and I haven't dabbled in the vintage arena where many guys say all the best sounding carts reside, but my personal HO faves are the Cartridge Man Music Maker Mk3 and Soundsmith Zephyr Mk3.

The latter is incredible and IMO gives up nothing to LOMC carts, even pricier ones.