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Some background- My record collection has been in storage for 15 years while I worked in Europe and then Asia. Returned about 18 months ago and listening while digitising a fair amount of 4000+ lps.
My GAS Sleeping Beauty has suffered some suspension aging issues during the last 18 months. I swapped it out for an Audio Technica OC9, original version and quite frankly, while quite polite, the sound is rather uninvolving.
Looking to spend up to $1,500 for a low output MC, new or lightly used.
Some on the list are:
Kiseki Blue NS
Koetsu Black
Dynavectors
Shelters
ZYX
I have heard and liked the Kiseki. I have fond memories of the Koetsu Black but that was a long time ago.
Any opinions to be shared as to preference or suggestions?
Phone system:
Sota Star Sapphire w/new springs, sub-assembly and composite armboard
SME V- recently rewired
Bob's 3440A blue 16/30 transformer
Audio Research PH 3SE phono pre
Music:
Rock
Jazz
Classical
Preferences:
Clear and articulate vocals/midrange
Smooth treble. I do no need to hear everything.
Some semblance of depth
Decent bass. I'm no bass freak having lived happily with Maggie IIIa's for years.
Thanks
Follow Ups:
Thanks for all the responses. I appreciate the Lew comment/perspective and subsequent replies as well. I happen to have a Grace F9E lying around and have been in touch with Peter Ledermann regarding a new stylus as well as examining my Sleeping Beauty. He's about an hour's drive so once the NE weather calms down, will visit and listen to some of his offerings as well.
I've also spent some time listing to wav files of various cartriges done by the German magazine Audio which has been an interesting experience. Meanwhile, still traversing my record collection which has been a delight after having it in storage for 15 years.
Benz Micro Wood S model medium output or better yet the low output model if your phono stage can handle it. Fits your requirements. Very easy to buy here in Asia no shortage I wonder there in the USA while its hard to get one.Can get it for $1000+ brand new.
mondial
If you decide a priori that you must have an LOMC and you "want" to spend $1500, you are missing out on the possibility that you can be very happy for much less money with a high quality MM or MI cartridge. Some of the best ones are now regarded as "vintage" and may even need a re-tip. That's why God made SoundSmith. Also SS make some great MI cartridges for less than $1500. Examples of what to look for in vintage MM or MI: Grace Ruby or F9E, Acutex LPM320 (315, 312) or LM320, Stanton 881S or 980LZS (low output) or HZS, B&O MMC1, MMC2, MM20CL (SoundSmith especially repairs the B&Os). There are at least a half dozen more great ones. Some of these can be found for a couple hundred bucks and are at least worth your attention. I daresay they will all compete handily with any new $1500 LOMC.
If i had 1K i would find one :)
dee
;-D
True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.
quote by Kurt Vonnegut
because I limited my list to those I have actually heard myself in my system. I too would love to own an EPC 100, but we want only the Mk4 version, right?
Then there's those Fidelity Research cartridges so fawned over by some.
And Astatic. Which one? MF100, 200, or 300? Or the 2500?
There also many Pickerings, Empires, AKGs, etc, to think about. I've got two Empires, 4000DIII and 1000ZE/X still in the box, and two AKGs yet unheard.
Cheap thrills, all.
Foxtan digs up one here and there but he wants around $1300 for them, a bit on the expensive side for a cartridge that will need the SS treatment rigth away. At that point it might be a better deal to get a new cartridge from Peter.
Only if i could find and an EPC-100 MK 4 under 1K......dream on.
dee
;-D
True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.
quote by Kurt Vonnegut
The way I figure it, except for the droolings of a few guys I really don't know (including Raul, who cooled off on it anyway over time), I have no data to convince me the EPC100 Mk4 is generally superior to what I've got. Plus, like you say, they all come from the orient, and I don't fancy trying to get my money back if the sample I pay so much for turns out to be a POS. So, I've just put it out of my mind.
take one of the $1200 offerings from peter....and be done with it.
dee
;-D
True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.
quote by Kurt Vonnegut
I'm rather happy with my collection of vintage MMs and MIs, as of now. But I do think along the same lines myself. The SS line of MI cartridges is probably great; I have only heard the Sussuro, and it was indeed excellent, but not in the bargain category for cost.
And the strain gage. Liked the later better. But the Sussoro was also excellent. I would think the Zephyr or the Boheme would be nice as well.
dee
;-D
True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.
quote by Kurt Vonnegut
Unless it's speakers.
At the request of the Moderators,
This space has been deleted
Nice dilemma you have.
The Kiseki, Dyna XX2, and Shelter 901 will match your listed music style nicely, especially the Shelter. Dyna if you want a bit more in dynamics.
Whether they match the SME ideally is another issue. Both Kiseki and Shelter are low in compliance but the SME does have dampening.
The customer is then charged what he is likely to stand. ...
I have not heard the Kiseki but I have both the Shelter 901 and Dynavector XX2 (and had the XX1 previously) and agree completely.
To these ears, and in the real world, and without taking a mortgage out on the house, I would audition the Ortofon Windfield. ...a real steal.
nt
Dman
Analog Junkie
If you want rich with lots of bloom and detail with excellent dynamics and clarity, then look for a Shinon Red II
The Dynavector 17D3 is somewhat difficult to set up because of an almost not there cantilever but is as crisp, clear and neutral as you are likely to find at that price. I used mine with a Nottingham 294 adn Einstein phono preamp and the detail was outstanding. I have a Ortofon Cadenza Black now that is even more detiled and full but at twice the price.
The Koetsus are a great match to the SOTA Star SME combo.
and currently own a Kiseki Purple Heart Sapphire, among others. They're as different as chalk and cheese, the Black being quite rich with lots of bloom and the Kiseki being very detailed with excellent dynamics and clarity. I think that most people would clearly prefer one or the other.The Dynavectors and Shelters are excellent as well. All good choices.
Please e-mail me if you are interested in selling the Sleeping Beauty as-is; you don't accept unsolicited e-mails.
Edits: 01/24/15
I currently use a ZYX Yatra and an Ortofon Cadenza Black. Will eventually try a Kiseki, but am good with what I'm hearing. Lots of depth with the ZYX and smoothness and detail with the Cadenza.
TR
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