Cartridges

[Matt_J]

I've tried a fair few but there's obviously too many to make any sort of headway into hearing anything approaching all of them.

The sort of sound I'd like is one that doesn't sacrifice detail, space, air and imaging for a bit of fluidity/warmth to the sound, I'm definitely NOT a fan of the typical "analogue" sound that people talk about when they mention warmth or smoothness etc, likewise I don't want something that is so clinical I may as well be listening to a CD Player. Has to be MC as well.

Carts that intrigue me that I haven't heard, or have any sort of clue, about are the Ortofon Cadenzas, higher end AT MCs, anything from ZYX, Hana. I'd rather not get dragged into cables/phono stages/amps/speakers debate but keep it isolated to carts if we could.

I currently use a high mileage Benz Glider SL and I'm starting to plan ahead, either to get it rebuilt or to replace it. I really like it but obviously this gives the chance to improve if it's possible at a sensible cost.

[Bigbird]

To me the AT Art 9 just does everything right and is the best iv heard up to 1500 squid .

Its hard s to find a single bad review anywhere. Seems to be one of those rare hifi products that is widely regarded. Amazing value

[Nonnegativ]

If you already has a Benz I would make use of their exchange program to move higher up the latter.

To me it sounds as if an LP-S would be the perfect fit for you. I have heard it many times and it is probably my next cartridge-upgrade. I am currently running a Lyra Delos & Benz Ruby Z. The Benz is the best of the two to my ears: Lyra Delos plays hifi where as the Benz plays music.

[Matt_J]

To me the AT Art 9 just does everything right and is the best iv heard up to 1500 squid .

Its hard s to find a single bad review anywhere. Seems to be one of those rare hifi products that is widely regarded. Amazing value

Yes I must admit the ART 9 seems universally well reviewed and was certainly on my list.

If you already has a Benz I would make use of their exchange program to move higher up the latter.

To me it sounds as if an LP-S would be the perfect fit for you. I have heard it many times and it is probably my next cartridge-upgrade. I am currently running a Lyra Delos & Benz Ruby Z. The Benz is the best of the two to my ears: Lyra Delos plays hifi where as the Benz plays music.

Thanks but I think the LP-S is out of my league, that's a bit of a jump from a Glider.

[moodybuilder]

I use the hana sl and for me it’s a giant killer, l had a Benz karat d2, and find the hana all round better. I’d like to hear the new ml they now have.

[p147]

To me the AT Art 9 just does everything right and is the best iv heard up to 1500 squid .

Its hard s to find a single bad review anywhere. Seems to be one of those rare hifi products that is widely regarded. Amazing value

1+

[DiveDeepDog]

If you really like the Benz, Art 9 may not be for you. I had Benz Ace L and moved it on fairly quickly. Art 9 is my staple go to cart.

I would add Shelter 501 to the list.

[JohnG]

If anybody has a well used or damaged Shelter 501 they may want to sell on, I am interested in any that may be offered.

[Idlewithnodrive]

Another Big fan of the Hana SL here. Very even handed, doesn't favour any frequencies and just seems to get out of the way.

[Matt_J]

If you really like the Benz, Art 9 may not be for you. I had Benz Ace L and moved it on fairly quickly. Art 9 is my staple go to cart.

I would add Shelter 501 to the list.

Interesting, thanks Mark. What didn't you like about the Benz? I've owned AT carts previously and enjoyed them, the Benz was the first cart where things seemed to come together and nothing seemed to be missing.

I forgot to put DV carts on the list as well, another I've never heard anything from aside from a shonky old 10x5 that was well past its best.