What Cartridge(s) Is Everyone Using

[aangen]

My first important cartridge purchase was a Signet TK7SU. I still have it, somewhere. I was so very impressed with that 1979 model. Shibata seemed nice. These days I have way more expensive cartridges. But that TK7SU was a fine place to start. (After so many lessor cartridges that seemed nice as well.) Stanton 681EEE and 881S were fun. I had others but I don't remember them.

 

[jeff1225]

My first important cartridge purchase was a Signet TK7SU. I still have it, somewhere. I was so very impressed with that 1979 model. Shibata seemed nice. These days I have way more expensive cartridges. But that TK7SU was a fine place to start. (After so many lessor cartridges that seemed nice as well.) Stanton 681EEE and 881S were fun. I had others but I don't remember them.

I have several TK7SU’s and still listen to them. They have a nice, Well balanced sound.

 

[RickS]

Still running a vintage all original Koetsu Black on one turntable and an almost mint Talisman Virtuoso DTI I snagged for $600 on my other table. The Talismans strengths are quiet tracking, very detailed highs and an unexpected warmth through the lower mids. The Koetsu just sounds bigger, deeper, more lush and with just enough highs to be airy and detailed without being obtrusive.

 

[drrsutliff]

Still have my SoundSmith Hyperion select that was upgraded to an MR. In addition the Lyra Kleos and Miyajima Zero are in rotation. My Hana ML is departing today in exchange for a new Hana Umani Red that is awaiting retrieval at my local dealer.

 

[Bill Demars]

Good seeing an Ikeda. Great cartridges!
Currently I am using a Goldenberg Maestro. We will be using a DS Audio W3 with a new optical phono stage available from Angus Leung at WestminsterLab once it arrives in late October. (small chassis on top of the Quest pre-amplifier.

Hi Gary,
Wondering if you could tell us what the sonic nature or anything that you would share, is of the Goldenberg Maestro? It’s an interesting and very attractive looking cartridge that doesn’t have much if anything written about it.
Bill

 

[Porsche]

air tight opus 1, superb

 

[Lynnot]

I'm currently focussing on spherical needles.
Have one on an Ortofon Classic GT and that is nice.



Next to the obligatory Denon DL-103 (which I don't like) I'll try a Shelter 301-II.

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

DaVa Soul
DaVa Reference
DaVa mono
Rowland Complement
Kiseki Agaat Ruby
Kiseki Blackheart
Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum
Koetsu Urushi Wajima
Supex SD900 mkIV

 

[Massimo66]

Air tight supreme
My sonic lab Signature platinum
Ortofon a95
Dava fc1a/Refernce

 

[PeterA]

(Neumann) DST Replica
Ortofon SL-15
van den Hul Colibrí Grand Cru

 

[Tangram]

Currently enjoying my Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue. I had my Aidas Mammoth Mk. 2 mounted for a while but I’ve struggled to get it sounding as good as it should. May need to send it in to Aidas for a checkup. As for the Etsuro, it’s a splendid, balanced presentation with great dynamics and a surprisingly full bass. Love it to bits.

 

[miniguy]

 

[PeterA]

 

[Juiced]

Kondo io-xp

 

[iaxel]

View attachment 158718

View attachment 158719

Very nice Peter.
I assume you're using your SME 3012R to mount it. Don't you need an EMT-to-SME adapter? Isn't the DST connection an EMT-type?

 

[PeterA]

Very nice Peter.
I assume you're using your SME 3012R to mount it. Don't you need an EMT-to-SME adapter? Isn't the DST connection an EMT-type?

Yes. I found a very nice adapter from KL Audio. I had tried a large metal screw on adapter, but this tiny disk works much better. It is a clever device.

 

[iaxel]

Yes. I found a very nice adapter from KL Audio. I had tried a large metal screw on adapter, but this tiny disk works much better. It is a clever device.

View attachment 158765

View attachment 158766

Excellent! Good to know.

 

[mtemur]

Yes. I found a very nice adapter from KL Audio. I had tried a large metal screw on adapter, but this tiny disk works much better. It is a clever device.

View attachment 158765

View attachment 158766

@iaxel is right, DST or any type A headshell cannot be mounted directly on a SME arm. The adapter you’re using only solves the pin orientation problem but doesn’t solve the much more important length problem. SME headshells are considered universal and longer compared to Ortofon, EMT, DST type A headshells. You need a proper adaptor. Just like the one in the picture below

And the headshell should look like this:

 

[iaxel]

@iaxel is right, DST or any type A headshell cannot be mounted directly on a SME arm. The adapter you’re using only solves the pin orientation problem but doesn’t solve the much more important length problem. SME headshells are considered universal and longer compared to Ortofon, EMT, DST type A headshells. You need a proper adaptor. Just like the one in the picture below
View attachment 158769
And the headshell should look like this:
View attachment 158770
View attachment 158771

Actually my 'Peak' tonearm is 13 inch and built to support these SPU-A/Neumann like cartridge.
However, it is built with an SME connection.
I wanted to avoid the use of an adapter if I decide to purchase this newly built DST replica.
I would also expect the builder to provide an option for EMT and SME connection.

 

[mtemur]

Actually my 'Peak' tonearm is 13 inch and built to support these SPU-A like cartridge.
However, it is built with an SME connection.
I wanted to avoid the use of an adapter if I decide to purchase this newly build DST replica.
I would also expect the builder to provide an option for EMT and SME connection.

It’s a custom unit then. But in that case you need a Type A headshell without a cartridge. They’re not very common.