What in your opinion is one of the best cartridges out there?

[bigblue]

Originally Posted by greekgod

What were the other 4 cartridges that you tested? Why do you like the Etna the best?

Ortofon Quintett Blue
Brinkmann Pi
EMT JSD6
Brinkmann EMT- ti
Lyra Etna

Due to a series of events including generous friends and shops, I was able to try many of them out in a relatively short time span.

The Ortofon was a conscious choice. Aware it would not bring out all Bardo had to give. But from listening to it previously elsewhere I know it was a great performer at its price point. In this case though it was not big enough to fill the shoes.

The EMT JSD 6 is a lush and warm cartridge. Initially pleasing but I soon missed some airy crispiness in the treble.

Brinkmann Pi. For pop and rock this is a great contender. Lots of P.R.A.T. but a bit grainy to my ears.

Brinkmann-ti. This was the PU I thought I'd be living with for a long time. But due to construction issues it was sent back and forth until I got bored.

My dealer then offered me to trade it for a Lyra Kleos or an Etna.
Initially the Etna was way beyond my horizon. I also feared it would be a "waste of money". That the rest of my set up wouldn't do it justice and my ears would not fully perceive the added nuances.

Unfortunately for the wallet - they could. The Etna delivers a beautiful and honest combination of deep bass, 3D midrange and airy top that never "cracks". But it better at this price :-)

[tima]

Favorites currently in my stable:

Lyra Etna - nice review here that says it all.

Benz Micro LP S - A thoroughly delightful cartridge that offers a nice contrast with the Etna. See HP's Workshop - interesting comments relative to the high-bling Goldfinger v2. Valin commentary here (PDF download). The "-MR" designator was, I believe, a creation of HP to differentiate this cartridge from an earlier version and picked-up by other writers. It is not used by Benz; the LP S and LP S-MR are the same cartridge. contact Musical Surroundings.

[AudioGremlin]

I have a Koetsu Onyx Gold that has been rebuilt twice, I have no yen to change it (pun intended).

[Formerly YB-2]

Like $10K TTs, think once you get to $3K, or so, for a cartridge there really is no "best" and it becomes a mix of personal preference and synergy of the cartridge with TT/TA used.

[bigblue]

I fully agree that in the end of the price range - it all comes down to preference and synergy. But I would set the bar higher than 3 000 USD. On my Brinkmann Bardo I have tested 2 cartridges in the 3 000 USD price range. But in my opinion the Lyra Etna (9 000 USD) I have now is far superior. Bigger soundstage, better attack, more delicate room and ambiance info, firmer bass and a more delicate high.

[docmd2010]

I wanted to update this thread:

I heard the goldfinger cart at Ivan's home in cape a week ago. The ability of that cartridge to extract detail from a record is uncanny. We directly a/b'd the davinci to the goldfinger and the difference wasn't subtle. I found that the bass in the GF became so much cleaner and visceral.

I don't think I have ever heard analog sound that good!

[briweed]

I really like the Kiseki Purple Heart. It is a really excellent cartridge.

B

[SL1800]

Originally Posted by briweed

I really like the Kiseki Purple Heart. It is a really excellent cartridge.

B

I’m actually looking into buying a Purple Heart.

[doggiehowser]

Originally Posted by briweed

I really like the Kiseki Purple Heart. It is a really excellent cartridge.

B

I have the purple heart. It is beautiful.

[Canonicus]

I think the new Air Tight PC-7 ($2500.00) has peaked my interest and is getting some good press. Might be the "best" MC cart under 3K.