Looking for a “fun” sounding cartridge

iaxel

Well-Known Member
Oct 25, 2016
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I have 3 arms on my Techdas AF3:
- Thales Simplicity which I use to track the DS Audio W2 - this is my “all out assault” combo, used, mostly, for classical music.
- Ortofon 9” with an SPU Synergy and SPU Mono - used mostly for oldies (50-60 Jazz and vocals) as well as mono-pressed records.
- SME V-12 - which, at the moment, is boxed and not in use.

I’m thinking of (re-)setting up the V-12 on my AF3, to have another “flavor” in my analog setup. My direction is a “fun”/“punchy” cartridge, aimed for my rock-pop/folk/prog section.

The budget is $1500-2000.
The first options that came to my mind are the “nude” EMTs - HSD006 or TSD75.

Love to hear your opinions/suggestions!
 

Solypsa

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Jun 7, 2017
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I'll send you a Sensitive Sound ART Dark to try for free (if your countries import rules aren't too stringent). It's a touch below your price range. Below 10g so should play nice with the SME...
 

iaxel

Well-Known Member
Oct 25, 2016
390
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I'll send you a Sensitive Sound ART Dark to try for free (if your countries import rules aren't too stringent). It's a touch below your price range. Below 10g so should play nice with the SME...
Hi!
Thanks for the (only :() reply! Extremely generous offer! But, I’d rather go for something more tradable, and I’m located on the other side of the globe...
 

daytona600

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Sep 9, 2012
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London Decca
 

jeff1225

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Jan 29, 2012
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Find an Shure V15 MkIII and get a JICO stylus. Super fun, great tracker, low tracking weight and will work great with the SME V-12. You'll be surprised how much you'll enjoy it.
 
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Loheswaran

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Dec 19, 2014
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MM - cartridge man music maker - I heard one in a SME V on an Avid Acutus and it was very powerful sounding.

MC - I hear that the Benz range are good for the music you want. Try and as Karmeli, Syntax or Mike Levigne - they know just about everything out on the market
 

Solypsa

Well-Known Member
Jun 7, 2017
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Hi!
Thanks for the (only :() reply! Extremely generous offer! But, I’d rather go for something more tradable, and I’m located on the other side of the globe...
Makes sense. Of course "tradable" is mostly valuable for carts you don't fall in love with!

Tone Audio reviewed one of the Sensitive Sound ART carts and pretty much described what you are asking for...of course I agree ;)
 

bazelio

Well-Known Member
Sep 26, 2016
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At under $2k, the Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC should be fun. As long as you can load it at 1K ohm (or higher in value). Low output moving iron - definitely different from the MC sound.
 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
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I'm really glad to see MM recommendations!
 

iaxel

Well-Known Member
Oct 25, 2016
390
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173

iaxel

Well-Known Member
Oct 25, 2016
390
185
173
Find an Shure V15 MkIII and get a JICO stylus. Super fun, great tracker, low tracking weight and will work great with the SME V-12. You'll be surprised how much you'll enjoy it.
Thanks! I’d rather purchase a new cartridge than start “digging” for vintage ones. Any in-production MM you can recommend?
 

iaxel

Well-Known Member
Oct 25, 2016
390
185
173
MM - cartridge man music maker - I heard one in a SME V on an Avid Acutus and it was very powerful sounding.

MC - I hear that the Benz range are good for the music you want. Try and as Karmeli, Syntax or Mike Levigne - they know just about everything out on the market
Thanks!
Is Cartridge Man still in business?

Which Benz?
 

Loheswaran

Well-Known Member
Dec 19, 2014
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Cartridge man is still going strong just do a google search.

As the Benz - the LP-S may be a bit more than 1500 - 2000 usd - I know a Good uk price if you pm me

I guess you ought to consider one of the Benz wood cartridges
 

Loheswaran

Well-Known Member
Dec 19, 2014
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I am told the sme is not too mm friendly - that said I’ve not owned one.
How about a London Decca apparently very exciting
 

jeff1225

Well-Known Member
Jan 29, 2012
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iaxel

Well-Known Member
Oct 25, 2016
390
185
173
Cartridge man is still going strong just do a google search.

As the Benz - the LP-S may be a bit more than 1500 - 2000 usd - I know a Good uk price if you pm me

I guess you ought to consider one of the Benz wood cartridges
Thanks!
 

iaxel

Well-Known Member
Oct 25, 2016
390
185
173
The JICO stylus makes the cart brand new. If you want an excellent remake of a classic MM, I'd recommend the Nagaoka MP-500. A good friend just replaced an $1500 MC for this $700 MM and he couldn't be happier. He has a Transrotor and SME 4 arm.

https://lptunes.com/collections/nag...s/nagaoka-mp-500-mp-500-mp500-phono-cartridge
Talked to a local dealer, and he mentioned that he prefers the MP-150 over the MP-500 for that kind of music (something related to the sound of the boron cantilever vs the aluminum one).
I've found the exact opposite.
About the London Decca?
 

jeff1225

Well-Known Member
Jan 29, 2012
3,007
3,247
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Talked to a local dealer, and he mentioned that he prefers the MP-150 over the MP-500 for that kind of music (something related to the sound of the boron cantilever vs the aluminum one).

About the London Decca?
I can't comment on the London Decca. You asked for "fun" and a reasonable price. That screams MM to me.
 
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Loheswaran

Well-Known Member
Dec 19, 2014
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Personally I love the idea of a replaceable stylus. I was thinking of a Garrott p77i as it is good vfm and all the reviews suggest a fun and solid cartridge - has replaceable stylus too. As to sme v’s I recall reading that they were designed in the early 80’s with a view to use mc’s. I am not qualified to comment save to say be careful to match compliance with the arm - as aforementioned I heard one with a Music Maker and it was really bold, rich, fun - visceral - not got the airy highs of an mc - but in the words of the song “it’s all about the bass - no treble!”
 

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