The Audiophilia team's favourite phono cartridges. All styles and budgets.

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  • Опубліковано 24 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 81

  • @donk1822
    @donk1822 9 місяців тому +10

    I chose the Ortofon 2M Red for the SME arm on my Transcriptor Hydraulic when I'd finished its rebuild, I was so impressed right out of the box that I upgraded to a 2M Blue stylus the next day. I was then so impressed by the Blue that the next day I swallowed a lump and invested in the 2M Black cartridge, I have to say it was worth every penny.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  9 місяців тому +2

      In my experience, you can’t go wrong the Ortofon. A wonderful legacy analog company. I remember reviewing their Cadenza Red. Great value. The Blue is crazy value.

  • @g.fortin3228
    @g.fortin3228 10 місяців тому +10

    One thing to add... if you get the Ortofon red and then decide to upgrade to blue ( although I think the red sounds real nice) .. just buy the blue stylus and do the quick slide-out and slide-in .. keep the red for those times when you are playing older records in not-so-good condition... so your blue doesn't have to get that usage.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  10 місяців тому +4

      Great idea 👍

    • @g.fortin3228
      @g.fortin3228 10 місяців тому +2

      @@AudiophiliaChannel thanks.. i'm eventually going to get a blue stylus fro mine, meanwhile i enjoy the red.

  • @geoffreydebrito2653
    @geoffreydebrito2653 11 місяців тому +3

    I'm the happy and original owner of a mint condition Yamaha PF-1000 turntable. I bought it new in 1984 for $350.00, it was then Yamaha's flagship turntable. But get this it's specs such as wow and flutter are notably superior to Yamaha's current flagship turntable, which sells for $8,000. And that's the case with a number of other expensive turntables.
    It has a low mass tonearm and needs a medium-high compliance cartridge. Today, low compliance cartridges are the norm. Fortunately, Ortofon, Music Hall and Soundsmith still make med-high compliance cartridges. There may well be a few others that I haven't run across yet.

  • @johnkreutz3207
    @johnkreutz3207 11 місяців тому +3

    I really appreciate your videos. You cover all price points

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  11 місяців тому

      Thank so much, John. Carts can be crazy money so a value cart that plays above its price level for your favourite music are godsends.
      It’s not easy to make a great MC cart, but a $15K cart should be brilliant. Making a sub $1000 cart that plays well on all music, now that’s the grail.

  • @Dakora
    @Dakora 9 місяців тому +1

    Hello Audiophilia. Thank you very much for your inspiring videos - it's wonderful to watch.
    Godspeed

  • @7JANEWAY
    @7JANEWAY 8 місяців тому +5

    I would say that the Ortofon 2m Red is the beginner’s cartridge, and that someone should start with that. The Red still has good sound, and there are people who like and are OK with the sound of it. There’s no reason to spend more money if you’re OK with the Red. In fact, when I upgraded to the Red from the Audio Technica AT95E, I was blown away by the sound difference. I ran the Red for quite some time before I took the plunge and upgraded to the Blue.
    But I had one experience that probably doesn’t match what others have experienced. I upgraded from the Blue to the Bronze. Yes, there was some improvement in sound. But nothing close to the difference between the Red and the Blue. I didn’t feel that it was worth the whopping $220 price difference. So I saved my money and went back to the Blue. And I’ve stayed there ever since.
    I realize that the uber-audiophiles consider what I’ve just said akin to blasphemy. I consider myself an audiophile, so I get at least some of their point. But it’s more important to get something you’re happy with and can live with (much less afford) than it is to get the latest, greatest and highest on the food chain.
    So if the uber-audiophiles consider me blasphemous and call me all sorts of names, let them. As I laugh at their comments, I’ll be happily listening to my Ortofon Blue (and not have to take out a loan because I overspent on my cartridge that impresses no one)!!!

    • @axeami1354
      @axeami1354 3 місяці тому

      see that's the thing there's more to a set up than a cartridge it's a sum of the parts and your ears. To me on my system the 95E is a better sounding cartridge than the red. The red sounds too Dull for my liking where as the 95e just has a character i love.

  • @dannyfannyfoodle
    @dannyfannyfoodle 11 місяців тому +3

    At the end you talked about “maxing out your tonearm”. Maybe you already have a video on this topic, but I would be very interested in understanding tonearm compliance, limitations, and cartridge matching.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  11 місяців тому

      That’s a good idea. My comment was simply with all things being equal, don’t be scared to put a good cartridge even on a inexpensive arm like a Rega or Pro-ject.

  • @andreasmoller6550
    @andreasmoller6550 9 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for an interesting overview! I think it is difficult to really conclude my preference when only upgrading once the stylus is worn, or broken, but Grado led me to MI, which led me to Soundsmith and now I’m stuck in the spending money ladder on their products 😬 For the SL-12 in the office I have dialled in on very engaging AT’s; 120, 540…

  • @dannyfannyfoodle
    @dannyfannyfoodle 11 місяців тому +1

    Very interesting. Would love to see this video’s corollary, as you hinted at the end, of phono preamps.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  11 місяців тому

      We’ll be getting to those. So important. Thx, Dan

  • @mtacoustic1
    @mtacoustic1 8 місяців тому +1

    My favorite cartridge was an 80's vintage Boston Acoustic MC 200. Unfortunately, the stylus was accidentally broken off; and it is no longer made.

  • @jdigioia1130
    @jdigioia1130 9 місяців тому +1

    Great selection of cartridges! Man, have they gotten expensive?! The Umami has gone up since you made this. The only one that I found for under $2000 was an open box model. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Thanks for putting this together.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  9 місяців тому +1

      Thx for the kind words.
      We published our (the first) Phasemation PP-2000 review and they raised the price 2K! :(

  • @w1nchester32
    @w1nchester32 5 місяців тому +1

    I have been enjoying the AT VM540 ML - great top end but, realising its limitations in dynamics / heft/ power / weight of sound ( I'm not sure of the technical term) etc I have ordered a Lyra Delos...but one has to be patient because demand is outstripping supply..at the moment

  • @aitchr8770
    @aitchr8770 5 місяців тому

    I use an Ortofon TA-210 so I can easily swap cartridges for each situation. I have the Orto 2M Mono you put up but when it was supplied ready mounted - so only VTF requires changing from my SPU - GME MC cartridge - and I second your reviewers choice on this cart. Of course, if you play mono many of those are old enough to not be RIAA. So I got the MM because I use the Graham Slee Jazz Club to play those old curves especially Decca FFRR - makes a massive difference - I have a 2m Blue and it is great with poorer condition records and 45's which I use it for.

  • @ChrisMag100
    @ChrisMag100 11 місяців тому +1

    I’ve got an Umami Blue on an Avid Acutus table with a Kuzma 4 point 9”. It’s my favorite cartridge I’ve heard in my system, except for the Avid Reference Ruby which is triple the cost of the Hana.

  • @danielgeiger7739
    @danielgeiger7739 11 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for putting a video together on higher end carts. I would have appreciated a bit more comparisons to other carts in similar price range and why you think the chosen ones are the best bang for buck. I would think that the $2-3K is the most interesting "realistic" budget point for many audiophiles. So that range may deserve particular expansion. I haven't heard too many carts, (Ortofon 2m red blue black, SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC*) where the last is my current and preferred one. I am curious about others like the Apheta 3 and the Hana. My pie in the sky cart is the Soundsmith strain gauge ($8K with dedicated phono stage). I love different approaches to cart designs.
    The comment on phono stages was a bit buried at the end and deserves emphasis and consideration.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  11 місяців тому

      We can’t comment to our readers and viewers regarding a comparison unless we have done exhaustive listening. As I said, a phono stage video is for another video. We’ll plan one. Thx

  • @davidlazarus5252
    @davidlazarus5252 10 місяців тому +1

    I thought you stated Line contact was your favorite?
    Just wondering why, and how you feel vs micro line stylist?

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  10 місяців тому

      It is my favourite, simply because I’ve had so much good luck with them. Not sure about microline. They all have their strengths-it’s how the manufacturer/designer implements them.

  • @hugoarbucias5380
    @hugoarbucias5380 7 місяців тому +1

    how about the Gold Note Vasari Red Phono Cartridge ?

  • @ThresholdZhor
    @ThresholdZhor 5 місяців тому +2

    17:45 the Hana is excellent

  • @MichaelLivingston-me
    @MichaelLivingston-me 6 місяців тому +1

    Are there any Grado cartridges that sound as good or better than the Ortofon 2m Blue or Goldring e3?
    I like the idea of buying from a domestic US manufacturer if possible.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  6 місяців тому

      Grado makes excellent carts but use moving iron I believe. Best check with Grado for compatibility. One of our writers swears by Grado.

  • @AdiMaco
    @AdiMaco 11 місяців тому +1

    Many thanks for this great video!

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  11 місяців тому

      You are most welcome. Thank you for the kind words.

  • @jim586
    @jim586 11 місяців тому +2

    Dynavector?

  • @MD-cy6pe
    @MD-cy6pe 11 місяців тому +1

    no soundsmith?

  • @jmal4368
    @jmal4368 11 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for your work on this video. I would be curious about your experience/perspective on re-tipping.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  11 місяців тому +1

      You are most welcome.
      Wary, very wary. Luckily, I’ve never been in that position. But retipping is a good cost savings, generally.
      If I had to do it, I’d send it to the manufacturer or the wizard of retipping, Peter Ledermann of Soundsmith.

  • @77MovieFan
    @77MovieFan 5 місяців тому +1

    I did buy a used Clearaudio Goldfinger, I guess it is even above the Titan, at least in price so I guess it sounds a little bit better.
    Totally HAPPY with it when the vinyl is PERFECT but if not this cartridge can drive you crazy, it is really revealing of any noise, it forces you to find records in perfect condition.
    So I wonder, is there anything out there that sounds as and as good as the Goldfinger and isn´t that revealing on "dirt" in the grooves?
    I can listen very loud, no limits there because no neighbors and I mainly listen to Pop/Rock/Metal from 70s and 80s

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  5 місяців тому +1

      @@77MovieFan try to listen to an Air Tight in that price range. Magnificent. Also the new Phasemation top cart is in$ane.

    • @77MovieFan
      @77MovieFan 5 місяців тому

      @@AudiophiliaChannel OK thanks, I will look them up
      It is so difficult to find infos on this because not that many have listened to the Goldfinger, or know the Goldfinger and not many others.
      Because it was so expensive I always think Clearaudio did something real special with it and not just uppen the price. I guess in their lineup it is easy to say that most likely this is the best they can do. But how it will keep up against others in same price ranges and even way cheaper will be the big question, maybe it really was just totally overpriced. I will find out

  • @stevenichols5708
    @stevenichols5708 11 місяців тому +2

    This is excellent information. I have a question. Would you spend ~3000.00 on a cart and pre-amp combo or the DS Audio Optical combo? Sorry if this seems like an odd question, but I already have a ~1800.00 Cart/phono combo I enjoy, and I am looking at setting up another table.

  • @hifijunkieTX
    @hifijunkieTX 24 дні тому +1

    I only wish they lasted longer given the price points. Often retipping is never going to be identical to stock and trying to justify at $5000+ cartridge every few years is tough!

  • @kennethlui2268
    @kennethlui2268 11 місяців тому +1

    Have you ever reviewed the My Sonic Lab Signature Platinum MC cartridge?

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  11 місяців тому +1

      No we haven’t. They look intriguing, though.

    • @kennethlui2268
      @kennethlui2268 11 місяців тому

      @@AudiophiliaChannel I plan on getting it. I think it is one of the best out there.

  • @hanzel-fb7jo
    @hanzel-fb7jo 4 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for the video. Some people believe that stylus wears out after a certain amount of usage. Others believe that stylus wear is basically a myth. I have been considering to get a Rega Apheta 3. How stylus wear plays in your decision to obtain a premium price cartridge? Thanks.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  4 місяці тому +1

      @@hanzel-fb7jo they all need retipping at some point.Many times, though, it’s many years of use before the need to send it out. 10 years and thousands of LP plays for my Phasemation PO-2000.

  • @gaborozorai3714
    @gaborozorai3714 11 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for the video, you have some heavy hitters there. For high-end on a more sensible budget have you ever reviewed the Audio-Technica Art 9? I've been using it for several years now and find it to be excellent in all areas of reproduction, ticking all audiophile boxes and being balanced, smooth and just real. It's in a VPI Prime going into an iconAudio PS3 all-tube phono. But, I could never compare it to mega-buck cartridges. I don't have a large library of mono pressings but can confirm that the AT33 Mono is excellent!

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  11 місяців тому

      Thx for the great info. Not heard the Art 9 but I hear amazing things about AT’s top carts. Ian is finishing up his review of the AT mono. Should be published March 8. Cheers, Anthony

  • @markphilpot8734
    @markphilpot8734 3 місяці тому +1

    Mu-Tec is the most lovely sounding cartridge.

  • @matthewbarrow3727
    @matthewbarrow3727 11 місяців тому +1

    If you are able to, you should try out the Lyra Atlas Lambda SL cartridge. Last year, I compared 3 different cartridges on top spec Linn Sondek LP12 setups (with my Zesto Andros Deluxe 2 tube phono stage). These were the $7000 Linn Exstatik cartridge, the $9000 Lyra Etna cartridge, and the $13000 Lyra Atlas Lambda SL cartridge. I listened to a number of different style tracks using each cartridge (in the above order). Within the first track with the Atlas, I knew I would order that cartridge. The different was night and day, where it seemed like we were using a totally different class of system. The noise level dropped through the floor, and became extremely holographic. I then listened to the rest of the tracks to confirm my decision. I just couldn't believe how much of a difference in sound quality existed between cartridges at this price point, if one assumes the idea of diminishing returns.

  • @54tristin
    @54tristin 11 місяців тому +2

    O dynavector?

  • @RaviNewfarm
    @RaviNewfarm 9 місяців тому +1

    Nice list! Of the one's you showed, I only have one, the Allnic Rose. But that one is giving me trouble with sibilants on many records, so I actually prefer my Hana ML or Ortofon Cadenza red which are both great value for money I think.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  9 місяців тому

      Thank you. Interesting how folks have different experiences with the same carts. Did the Rose act up well after u purchased it? Anything change while you’ve hard the cart-‘table, arm, phonostage?

    • @RaviNewfarm
      @RaviNewfarm 9 місяців тому

      @@AudiophiliaChannel The Rose was like that from the start. The turntable (Dr. Feickert Woodpecker) and Ortofon tonearm is fine with my other cartridges. Phonostage is pearl 2, tried 100 and 150 ohm loading but no change on the sibilants issue. It's a pity since the Rose sounds great on non-vocal music, but gets more or less sibilants on many vocal records. I can clearly detect it has some qualities over my other cartridges in areas like detail and timbre. I was very tempted on an offer on the Umami blue, but I was just a little too late on the trigger, regretting that :-)

  • @joemartin6439
    @joemartin6439 7 місяців тому

    I have a broken Hana ML, Sumiko Amethyst, Grace F9 Rudy Cantilver hyper Oliptical stylus

  • @vladimirdorta6692
    @vladimirdorta6692 8 місяців тому

    You must load those old Aphetas way down if your phono preamp allows it, to 50 or 30 Ohms.

  • @gcahill51
    @gcahill51 11 місяців тому +1

    Goldring?

  • @VinylPro
    @VinylPro 11 місяців тому

    so, which is the best one ?

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  11 місяців тому +2

      I’m very fond of my reference, Phasemation PP-2000.

    • @VinylPro
      @VinylPro 11 місяців тому

      @@AudiophiliaChannel glad to know !

  • @joemartin6439
    @joemartin6439 7 місяців тому +1

    I am getting my Hanna ML with a boron Cantilver and Micro Ridge stylus for $500 US fund Andy Kim in Sacramento CA

  • @nattyco
    @nattyco 10 місяців тому +3

    I started with an Ortofon Red and it nearly put me off vinyl for life as CD sounded better. Fortunately I discovered the AT VM range and I've not looked back since. Why do you not mention the AT cartridges? They are ubiquitous, easily upgraded, generally compatible to give very good sound and great value for money.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  10 місяців тому +1

      We do, several times. And one used as reference by one of our writers.

  • @damionchudleigh9244
    @damionchudleigh9244 5 місяців тому

    Those better produce the artist in my home when I play the record.

  • @grahammorgan3858
    @grahammorgan3858 4 місяці тому +1

    Rega 3 with Shure v15 3

  • @ThresholdZhor
    @ThresholdZhor 5 місяців тому +2

    2:08 the 2M Red is for me the worst buy on a cartridge, it sounds awful with big IGD

  • @jimsimon5706
    @jimsimon5706 5 місяців тому +4

    Curiously poor sound quality on the commentary...

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  5 місяців тому

      @@jimsimon5706 absolutely. Was experimenting with mic/room placement, and the opening was not good. Since you commented so politely, I answered. Too many people are just plain rude. Sound improvement is a continuous journey around here. Thx again.

    • @jimsimon5706
      @jimsimon5706 5 місяців тому +2

      @@AudiophiliaChannel I am a polite person I like to think. I watched through your video and of course the quality improved! So, I should have listened further before jumping in, so I apologise for that.
      To get to the reason I was interested - I have a Decca FFSS mki cartridge on its Decca mki arm, and I am blown away by the sound. So immediate and live-sounding, with incredible dynamics. However, whilst it is remarkable that a cartridge that's getting on for...hang on...70 years old as far as its design is concerned, and this cartridge was re-tipped and serviced 50 years ago, sounds at all good, it does worry me on two counts. Firstly, is it going to be a sustainable source for me, and secondly, what is it that, however good it is, I am missing out on compared to what I might be able to achieve with modern designs. I am aware of Soundsmith cartridges which seem to me to, perhaps, share the concept with Deccas of old. Have you heard either the Deccs FFSS or Soundsmith cartridges?
      I am on something of a mission with this as I have a nice, dynamic system and find I'm listening to more and more of my records now that the Decca is with me. I have a Garrard 301, and Audio Note amp and Tannoy 15" Golds which all add up to quite a lively and lifelike dynamic sound. I was a sound engineer, more live sound than recording, so I like to think I know good sound.
      Any thoughts would be welcome.
      Thanks.
      Jim.

    • @AudiophiliaChannel
      @AudiophiliaChannel  5 місяців тому

      @@jimsimon5706 no need to apologize. All good.
      Peter Ledermann at Soundsmith is a wizard at retipping. Our reviewers have had great success with his own carts.
      Decca! Now you’re talking, but very, very tricky to setup and dial in. But once done, as you say, crazy immediacy. I love the whole Decca thing. Enjoy. Cheers, Anthony

    • @hankd18
      @hankd18 12 днів тому

      Ironic, you might say

  • @jeffmerklinger9067
    @jeffmerklinger9067 2 місяці тому

    Moving Iron cartridges surpass all of these models 😂