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Turntables & Tonearms Where Analog still Rules |
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#21
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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 :-) |
#22
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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. |
#23
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I have a Koetsu Onyx Gold that has been rebuilt twice, I have no yen to change it (pun intended).
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#24
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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.
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Glenn... Canton Reference 9 Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 & MR88 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B, ST-J75 & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag |
#25
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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.
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#26
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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!
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Magico M3 Mcintosh 601 monos Boulder 2110 Pre Nordost Odin 2 cabling Clearaudio Master Innovation with Goldfinger cartridge Esoteric E03 phono Esoteric D02X Esoteric P02X Aurender W20 HRS SXR-Signature 4V X 2 rack Incoming: Magico Q15 subs (2) |
#27
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I really like the Kiseki Purple Heart. It is a really excellent cartridge.
B |
#28
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I’m actually looking into buying a Purple Heart. |
#29
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I have the purple heart. It is beautiful.
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AcousSignThunderTA5000PurpleHeartNS WandMasterPearwoodII PSA DSD BHK ThielCS3.7SS2.2 |
#30
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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.
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