stereophile recommended phono cartridges
For example, the Benchmark LA4 has pro-level outputs and their AHB2 accepts pro-level input. Outwardly identical to the original Ekos in all but color, the Ekos SE is machined from a titanium tube in an effort to smooth out resonant peaks, while its stainless-steel main pillar and bearing cradle work to maintain perfect bearing adjustment in the face of temperature extremes and user abuse. He added that "no one will be disappointed by the Windfeld Ti's reproduction of space." Editor's Note: There are currently no Class C or D tonearms listed. Price is for black-anodized finish; it's $55,600 in plated nickel and titanium. . Doshi Phono replaced by new version not yet reviewed. According to HR, who considered the AMG 9W2 tonearm its ideal mate, the EMT cartridge "was faster than lightning, punched like a boxer, and sang like a siren. Expensive, but nonetheless highly recommendable. While photographing the EQ11, JA hoisted it onto his test bench and found that, despite some minor differences in gain, the shapes of the various EQ curves were consistent from channel to channeland correlated with HR's observations. His conclusion: "$199/pair for the PHTs, with money-back guarantee, is well worth it." This tonearm features a unique, dual-pivot horizontal bearing system (for vertical movement) and a vertical bearing (for horizontal movement) that uses a hardened tool-steel axle with top and bottom micro ball bearings. Stereophile discusses equipment without accurately describing the context. One reader suggests applying treatment to brush rather than stylus, which would reduce the possibility of over-applying. Machined from a solid aluminum billet and "finished to look and feel as luxurious" as its much more expensive stablemate, the Boulder 2108 ($52,000), the single-box 508 is low on user controls: On the front panel are an on/off switch and a mute button, and around back is a switch for selecting between MM and MC cartridgesand that's it. Stereophile 's Recommended Components list is concerned mainly with products available in the US through hi-fi retail outlets. Diehard analog hobbyists will still want the versatility of more complex tools, such as the DB Systems DBP-10, but "the Geo-Disc is the only alignment protractor most vinyl enthusiasts will ever need," said SM. With its aluminum cantilever and elliptical stylus, the high-output Songbird moving magnet reminded HR of Sumiko's famously high-value Blue Point that Stereophile favorably reviewed in 1993. . MF observed that the sounds of the two models "[both] sounded smooth without ever sounding softsmooth like skating on ice." Now MF has auditioned the Premium version of same, which betters the original AFO with a motorized air pump and automatic, continuous pressure-monitoring system for its air-suspension mechanism. (But AD erred in saying that the Little Fwend is distributed in the US by Music Direct: the company is actually MoFi Distribution.) Denon DL-103R phono cartridge 0.25mV Code: DENONDL103R $499.00 Higher Fidelity Alternative: See Related Products. It offers two current-mode MC inputs, one of which has both balanced and single-ended jacks, and a single MM input. The PU7 seems better finished than its forebear, although creature comforts are thin on the groundadjustments of VTF and VTA depend on the user loosening one or more grub screws and repositioning uncalibrated parts, and antiskating is a simple thread and falling weightbut, as MF pointed out, the design "emphasizes rigidity over convenience." (Vol.41 No.4 WWW), Audio-Technica AT-VM95C, E, H, ML & SH: $39$199 depending on stylus $$$ Improvements, in the interim, to his system and a better listening room left JCA "better prepared to hear and describe" the Xpression, which he now believes is "clearly and significantly better" than his own Ortofon 90th Anniversary SPU, with "less SPU-ish coloration" and "none of the attenuation of high frequencies that I [hear] from classic SPUs, but no extra tizz, either." Samples available now comprise a mix of new, NOS, and reconditioned parts, but the company says that proportion will change as they tool up to make new components. AD praised the "ergonomically friendly" Smartractor as "exceptionally well made" and "a breeze to use," and expressed a preference for its Lfgren A DIN alignment scheme, although he intends to experiment further with UNI-DIN. We are intimately familiar with these relationships and can help you to choose the most holistic pairing of Phono Cartridge and Phono Stage choosing from brands like Miyajima, Lyra, Mysoniclabs, Koetsu, Ortofon ,HANA, AMG, and others. I have a $7 thou turntable rig assembled over several years of upgrades. According to AD, "a good plinth can enhance nearly every aspect of a turntable's performance," and the Woodsong Audio plinth for the Garrard 301 motor unit is a very good plinth indeed. . In the written review, the Ares II was preferred over the Chord Qutest. Controls are minimal, with no provisions for varying the 400-ohm load of the MC inputsalthough, as MF observed, that figure is "a good compromise for cartridges with internal impedances of about 40 ohms or less." John Atkinson (Vol.44 No.7 WWW), Sumiko Starling: $1899 Compared with the Cobra, the Kuzma sounded more natural and energetic. (Vol.39 No.1), SME Synergy: $22,995 with Series IV tonearm "Well made, really easy to use, and accurate," said Mikey. (Vol.37 No.10, Vol.40 No.10 WWW), Audio-Creative GrooveMaster II Titanium: 1524 (Vol.17 No.5, Vol.19 No.6), WallyTractor Universal: $395 With its multiple switch-selectable primary taps and its 10 switch-selectable input impedances, Zesto's Andros Allasso (the last word is Greek for transform) is surely one of the most flexible step-up transformers we've seen. In his sad belief that the number of Stereophile readers who own a Garrard 301 motor unit might reach beyond the low two digits, AD proclaims the benefits of replacing that turntable's original eddy-brake discwhich by now is surely beat to hellwith this beautifully machined replacement from plinth specialist Woodsong Audio. The 508 offered good size/scale and dynamic slam, although those qualities were less in evidence than with MF's far more expensive reference phono preamps. Made in California, this most recent version of Musical Surroundings' Phonomena is a solid-state stage that uses discrete transistors in place of lowly op-amps; among other things, this gave designer Michael Yee the ability to base his RIAA stage on active, as opposed to passive, filtering. Derived from the first Windfeld modelwhich was designed by Ortofon's head of R&D, Leif Johannsen, and named for his predecessor in that position, Per Windfeldthe new Windfeld Ti MC cartridge differs from the original in its use of a titanium body core that flares at the top to form its mounting platform, which is drilled and tapped for cartridge bolts of the usual sort. HR got the best from the Cobalt Blue by pairing it with the 1:10 version of the EMIA Phono step-up transformer, writing that during the time it was in his system, "I never once took the Cobalt Blue's beguiling occupy-the-room presentation for granted. Also on the rear panel are an XLR input and an XLR output: Unusually, the Celio can be configured as a mono phono preamp, in which case it has balanced throughput. (Vol.37 No.12 WWW), Rega Elys 2 MM cartridge: $295 $$$ Switch-selectable inputs for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges add to the product's flexibility, as do separate six-position rotary switches for adjusting load resistance and capacitance. The comments under the heading "Harbeth P3ESR XD" seem to imply that the XD version is identical to the 40th Anniversary edition, which Herb reviewed. AD, who regarded the original Zu Audio/Denon DL-103 as a giant-slayer of Homeric proportions, thought the Grade 2 Premium Zu DL-103 Mk.II went even further, offering fine musical timing and "an ocean of tone." Dylp Audio Windbell MC100 Mono: $325 (Vol.43 No.8 WWW), EMIA Phono step-up transformer, with copper wire: $2700 
Since that review was published, Haniwa's Dr. Kubo came up with what he considered significant improvements that included higher compliance and a new damper. Its body is made from an alloy of aluminum, magnesium, and silicon, plated first in nickel and then in chrome. Although equipped with the usual two pairs of output pins, the Epoch Mono has only one pair of coils (the stereo version has two pairs), configured to respond to only the horizontal modulations of a single-channel groove. Audio-Technica ART1000, Dynavector 10x5, Koetsu Rosewood Standard, Kuzma CAR-50, and Car-60, Miyajima Saboten and Saboten L, Ortofon CG 25DI Mono Pickup Head, Techdas TDC01 TI, Rega Elys 2 MM, not auditioned in a long time. Also an excellent match for both the Music Hall Ikura and VPI Nomad turntables," he adds. The more expensive, the CF1-09, is now the company's flagship. (Vol.35 No.6, Vol.36 No.9, Vol.38 No.3, Vol.39 No.1, Vol.40 No.4 WWW), Audiosilente idler wheel mod for Garrard 301401 turntable: $110 plus shipping $$$ EMT HSD 006: $1860 It uses a 6CA4 rectifier tube and choke filter, while RIAA is accomplished passively with zero feedback using a transformer-based LCR network. . (Vol.42 No.12), Dr. Feickert Blackbird: $6995 The combo's greatest shortcoming: "an ever-so-slightly vacant midrange that . AD wrote that the Wood A sounded "tactile, dynamic, meaty, and colorful, with a great sense of scale," and that it "excelled at conveying instrumental and vocal textures." The 200s were every bit as good as the R3s EXCEPT in the vocals. It tracks at between 1.5 and 1.9gm and wants to see a load of 47k ohmsand a healthy amount of quiet gain. "Rega's RP1 looks good, is easy to set up, and plays records like it means it," said SM. "The Fozgometer gets my highest recommendation!" Rega RB330: $595 $$$ These don't come up too often. The Zero is built on a birch-ply plinth and has a low-torque AC motor topped with a stepped pulley with separate grooves for 33.3 and 45rpm, and an aluminum platter whose bronze bearing appears especially well engineered. Made in Greece, the moving-magnet VPS-100 is beautifully built and housed in a substantial aluminum case. Gain is 26dB. Used with the HCVC01 passive current-to-voltage converter (see "Phono Preamplifiers"), its presentation was on the cool side, though MF noted that "warm records did not lose their warmth altogether. (Vol.42 No.8 WWW), Hana SL Mono: $750 $$$ The default position for the jumper is 13D16 with standard 13D16 valves fitted. (The stock EAR-stamped tubes were fine, just different: lighter-sounding, I think; I assume Tim would have approved the use of NOS Mullards given his views on the quality of many new tubes doing the rounds.). 
Some manufacturers caution against it, claiming it migrates up the cantilever and attracts dust, thus clogging the armature. Etsuro Urushi's Cobalt Blue moving coil cartridgethe least expensive of its three modelsfeatures scantly wound coils, a samarium-cobalt magnet with soft-iron flux-director pieces, and a sapphire-pipe cantilever fitted with a Microline stylus, all in a Duralumin body covered with blue Urushi lacquer. (Vol.43 No.2), AMG Giro G9: $10,000 with tonearm The Madake Snakewood has an output of 0.23mV, a suggested downforce of 2.5gm, and a low-compliance suspension. If willing to invest the time and effort necessary for proper installation and setup, the user will be rewarded with "an almost indescribably great deal of pleasure," AD added. (Vol.31 No.7, Vol.34 No.12, Vol.40 No.2 WWW), Ortofon 2M Red: $99 $$$ He also heard from the Epoch "a harmonic and textural richness laid on without too thick a coating of aural honey." (Vol.32 No.8, Vol.35 No.6), Zesto Andros Allasso step-up transformer: $2995 Recordings made using the Seta Model L's optional RIAA-equalized outputs were "models of clarity, definition, tonal accuracy, detail resolution, and spatial coherence," wrote MF. The MC16 step-up transformer sounds identical to Ypsilon's MC10 but adds 4dB of gain. Current version of Rega's classic tonearm. See MF's reviews of the Dhmann Helix One Mk2 turntable, which uses this arm with the carbon fiber armtube. (Vol.42 No.9), Ortofon MC Windfeld Ti: $4390 AD said, "If there exists a more effective, easy, reliable, and utterly transformative way of cleaning LPs, I have yet to hear it. Audio-Technica describes their new flagship, the moving-coil AT-ART1000, as a Direct Power System design: its coils are attached to the front of its cantilever, directly above the stylus, and not to the inside end of the cantilever, as in most MCs. Equal parts entry-level audiophile component and perfectionist-quality lifestyle product, the VPI Player (originally called the Nomad) bundles a wood-plattered, belt-drive turntable and 10" gimbaled tonearm with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and an onboard phono preamplifier designed specifically around the formerplus an onboard headphone amp. A unique blend of new and old technologies, the Xpression derives from Ortofon's cutting-edge MC A90, but is designed as a drop-in replacement for any G-style pickup head. Web'Im Canor treffen dagegen Autoritt, Feinsinn und Farben-Vielfalt zusammen, so locker und selbstverstndlich, als wre es das Einfachste auf der Welt.' HIFI.DE Compared to the Liberty B2B-1, the Seta Model L lacked some midbass energy but did a better job of preserving recorded ambience, said JA, who also admired the Channel D's superb measured performance. Its two-piece aluminum cantilever drives a cross-shaped armature wound with several turns of fine-gauge copper magnet wire. It made the Shibata-tipped VM95 sound overly smooth and polite." Used in his tube-friendly system, with his Denon DL-103 cartridge, the Quasar struck KM as sounding "neither hard nor, worse, tube-clich syrupy or soft." (Vol.33 No.12), Spin Clean Record Washing System: $79.99 $$$ Save for their ca-$45,000 Naiad, the newly revised Planar 10 represents the pinnacle of Rega's high-tech and extremely well-thought-out minimalism. Nonetheless, it "blackened backgrounds, solidified images, and made them 'pop' in three dimensions." were somewhat diminished"and noted that he'd purchased the CH Precision combo for his own enjoyment. (Vol.34 No.10, Vol.38 No.6 WWW). Charles Kirmuss bases his KA-RC-1 record-cleaning machine on a standard-issue Chinese-made cavitation (ultrasonic bath) cleaner, adding to it an original-design record-spinning apparatus that MF found to be "very good." Please review the new & improved KEF LS50s. That stage is constructed with discrete componentsremarkable for a US-made product selling for only $340and combined with class-Abiased op-amps for a total gain of 40dB. . Interesting BD gave the Duo an A rating and deservedly so, but I am listening to the new Duo with the linear power supply and believe it to be a game changer. The Sentec EQ11 is a four-tube phono stage that provides an input impedance of 45k ohms, approximately 30dB of gain, and RIAA phono equalization. Thanks but for whatever reason, I cant find AR new REF 6SE preamp here. He described the EMIA as offering "an immense sense of drive" with his EMT, as well as "texture and tone in spades. The Japan-made Sorane (originally called Abis) SA-1.2 is a high-mass 9" tonearm that began life as the Abis SA-1, famous for impressing AD and for having been withdrawn from an earlier edition of "Recommended Components"by its importer!while undergoing revision. 
With its three-figure price, the CG 25DI also offers exceptionally high value. Nonetheless, AD deemed it "a superb cartridge and a remarkable buy." 
His conclusion: the Koetsu Rosewood Mono is a good choice "if your system needs a bit of softening of transients." Made in the US, the very affordable Schiit Mani was designed by Theta Audio founder Mike Moffat. These "First Series" products are sold direct only, and are distinct from the company's Nitro Series products, which use modified Denon cartridges, and which we have not auditioned. Its compliance, though unspecified, was observed by AD to be very lowrecommended downforce is 3.24gmand its output is a mere 0.25mV. (Vol.30 No.12, Vol.35 No.4 WWW), Audiodesksysteme Glss Vinyl Cleaner Pro: $4499 Earlier Thales arms used an articulated auxiliary arm, in addition to the main armtube, to continually adjust the headshell's tangency to the record groove; the Statement is "more elegant," with its slender, two-tube arm structure, encapsulated cardanic main bearing, and a headshell articulated by means of micro ball bearings. See MF's review of the AMG Viella Forte Engraved turntable ("Turntables"). In both setups, the Lounge rewarded HR with "full-bodied, accurately toned" sound, and enough emotional impact that a favorite Doc Watson song had him weeping. To view the Sorane ZA-12 is to think: Why hasn't anyone thought of this before? It comes with five pairs of color-coded resistive plugs (10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 ohms), as well as a pair of empty plugs into which an alternate resistor value can be soldered. (Vol.42 No.12 WWW), Goldring E3: $169 $$$ With the Blue mounted in a Music Hall Ikura turntable and arm, BJR found that "the transients and bloom of the string quartet were reproduced with no trace of coloration or smear." The Zu/DL-103 Mk.II cartridge replaces the original Zu Audio DL-103 (see Stereophile's October 2007 issue), itself the first modification of the classic Denon DL-103 to achieve widespread recognition and commercial success. No other turntable has created its level of stability, presence, resolution, and sheer physicalitynot in my system." (Vol.43 No.5 WWW), van den Hul The Grail: $9750 AD, who regarded the original Zu Audio/Denon DL-103 as a giant-slayer of Homeric proportions, thought the Grade 2 Premium Zu DL-103 Mk.II went even further, offering fine musical timing and "an ocean of tone." Housed in an aluminum case, it runs on a 9V alkaline battery and has an On/Off switch, left and right RCA input jacks, an analog signal meter, and three LEDs labeled Left, Center, and Right. Also an excellent match for both the Music Hall Ikura and VPI Nomad turntables," he adds. . Like the standard Hana SL, the Hana SL Mono is a low-output (0.5mV), highish-impedance (30 ohms) moving-coil cartridge with an alnico magnet, an aluminum cantilever, and a nude Shibata stylus. All internal wiring is done by hand, point to point. HR found that this moving magnet initially failed to satisfybut after 12 hours of continuous play, the CF3600LE sounded quiet, lushly detailed, and engaging, especially on female vocals. (Vol.41 No.12 WWW), Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum: $8495 As the stylus moves through the record grooves, the cantilever and shading plate move and varying amounts of light reach the photodetector, which generates an electric current in proportion to the amount of light it receives. Timbral performance was "overall on the warm side," although MF described note sustains as "stingy" resulting in "a dry quality." The basic package contains two Groovy Rings (LP-sized sheets of black plastic), two heavy metal plates, a few pieces of hardware, a nice storage case, and a table of heating times and cooling cycles. We haven't auditioned it in a long time, but special pleading from Mikey keeps it listed: "A superb product that has stood the test of time." Although Ortofon's SPU series of pickup headsphono cartridges, typically moving-coils, that are built into their own headshellsis surely the longest-running cartridge line in the history of audio, they never attracted the attention of MF, who admits not being "a fan of [the design's] old-school, SME-type" locking collet, and who is also put off by the typical SPU's high mass and high recommended tracking force. This has been missing for the last few. Miyajima makes no fewer than five single-channel cartridges. Though it sacrificed timbral neutrality, imbuing well-recorded voices with "some mid-to-upper-mid bumps and dips," the 997 impressed AD with its ability to convey the inherent tension of recorded music. Pertinent specs: The Master 1 weighs 8.1gm, sports a MicroRidge stylus on a sapphire cantilever, and requires a downforce of 1.61.8gm. Used with its optional X1 outboard power supply ($17,000), the P1 provided Mikey with tonal neutrality and an ultra-low noise floor: "Some products have me up all night, pulling out record after record; some don't. His conclusion: "one of that small handful of pickups I'd care to live with." Mikey also praised the A-T as "one of the most tonally neutral cartridges I've heard," concluding that, "If you can afford it, you need it!" The subsequent SNR are never addressed. Is that, in fact, the indisputable truth? An outboard motor topped with a plastic pulley snugs into a recess on the plinth's left side. Dylp Audio NATURE Ruby-1 MC FG II: $1200 A quick-connect plug makes for easy removal and easy cartridge swapping. But where the sliding portion of the older arm was a longish aluminum tubethe arm's effective mass was thus greater in the horizontal than vertical planethe armtube of the Odin is attached to a 3"-long sleeve of comparatively low mass, which rides along an "airtube" that's held rigid at both ends and whose level is adjustable. The Adagio's gain and EQ circuitrythe latter a mix of active and passiveis implemented with a total of six small-signal tubes, while power-supply rectification and regulation are solid-state. As HR wrote, "what struck me was how much the Ultra Eminent Ex's presentation sounded like analog tape," adding that the cartridge "excavated so much microlevel information that it seemed to reach some perceptual limit where recorded detail begins to materialize into the person, instrument, or environment the information represents," and in doing so sounded "less mechanical than any other MC I've experienced." It was "too lean, too fast, just plain too much," according to MF. A fine phono preamp, albeit one that does not offer terribly high value for the money. (Vol.42 No.10 WWW), Sutherland Engineering Phono Loco: $8200 JA noted superb measured performance. Still, as AD observed, "the comparatively inexpensive Tavish Adagio punched above its weight." The ready-to-play Brinkmann Balance is a plinthless 'table with an attractive, low-profile base available in a variety of sizes and configured for specified tonearm masses. Even in light of a recent price increase, AD felt the MusiKraft combinations of high-tech shells and stock DL-103 cartridges offer very good value. Designed and made in Idaho by woodworker-machinist Chris Harban, the Woodsong plinth is crafted from Baltic-birch plywood, Panzerholz, and manmade slate, and its internal surfaces are shaped in such a way as to leave very little room between plinth and the turntable's below-deck working bits. Specs for the Rosewood Standard include an output of 0.45mV, an impedance of 5 ohms, and a recommended downforce of 1.82gm. MF found that the Sculpture cartridge, used with the Sculpture A SUT (see "Phono Preamplifiers"), was "magic" on a Bill Henderson LP, commenting that with fairly dry, closely miked recordings with acoustic instruments, the listenability was off the charts. From the startand it was an easy start, since the Scout Jr. is shipped with its cartridge installed and alignedHR was impressed that the VPI squeezed from the budget Ortofon 2M Red far better sound than he'd ever heard. Power is supplied by an 18V wall wart. (Vol.41 No.7), Brinkmann 10.5: $5990 Brinkmann 12.1: $6290 Designed and voiced for use with Denon's DL-103, this Auditorium 23 SUT uses two sealed transformers in a nondescript aluminum case, and offers input and output resistances of 7.8 and 505 ohms, respectively. As AD noted in the December 2018 issue, "To compare the specifications of Koetsu's 15 different models is to glimpse little in the way of variety: all Koetsu cartridges have the same recommended ranges of VTF and load impedance; all of their platinum-magnet cartridges have the same 0.3mV output, while all their samarium-cobalt magnet cartridges output 0.4mV." It weighs 7.3gm, has an output of 2.5mV, and uses an elliptical stylus tip and aluminum cantilever. The banana-shaped EMT 997 tonearm is a fixed-pivot, high-mass design that is supplied without a headshell. Forty years after introducing the original Planar 3, Rega has dusted off that model name and applied it to a comprehensively redesigned package that includes a new tonearm (the Rega RB330), a new 24V motor, and a newly re-engineered if outwardly similar plinth that incorporates the "metalized phenolic" tonearm-to-platter-bearing top brace that characterizes Rega's higher-end turntable models. (Vol.41 No.4), Tedeska DST201ua: ?5600 (approx $6370) There is no such thing as T+A MD 3001 HD SACD/CD player: $21,000. The MusiKraft shell is machined in such a way that its two pieces, when assembled, tightly clamp the Denon cartridge's top plate; each shell is pre-drilled with five sets of tapped mounting holes, thus making cartridge mounting and alignment easier than ever. Our Mikey, whose enthusiasm for tangential-tracking tonearms is less than infiniterest assured, he's tried them allwas nonetheless impressed with the ingenuity of the Klaudio KD-ARM-AG12, a pivoted tangential tracker. Deletions Art's measurements, such as they were, revealed that the Prime Scout ran a little fast, and exhibited more wow than his 1950s idler-wheel Garrard, although wow was not excessive in absolute terms: wow! Those coils are wound from 24K gold wire; other precious substances in evidence are the Epoch Mono's diamond stylus and sapphire cantilever, the latter a first for a Grado cartridge. The optional Groovy Pouch ($79.95) is a soft, specially made enclosure that uses carbon-fiber heating elements to surround the Vinyl Flat with gentle, even heat. After comparing the Aeon3 with other cartridges, both on the Initial and on the Dr. Feickert Blackbird turntable, HR decided that the Grado appeared to be "uncovering new, previously buried deposits of recorded microdata. Arcam CDS50. The Teatro's generator, which has separate coil assemblies for each channelas opposed to having both channels' coils wound on a common formeris made in Japan. "Among the best-built turntables in the world," the SME 20/12 is a tank-like machine weighing more than 75lb. (Vol.30 No.10, Vol.35 No.5 WWW), Mobile Fidelity Geo-Disc cartridge alignment tool: $49.99 (Vol.39 No.10, Vol.41 No.5 WWW), DS Audio Master 1: $20,000 with equalizer The through-hole components and boards have been replaced by surface-mount equivalents, and the circuitry features proprietary, house-made, "phono-specific," 993S and 995S discretely implemented "op-amp" modules. From Norway comes the Little Fwend, an automatic tonearm lifter in the tradition of the fondly remembered Audio-Technica AT-6006 Safety Raiser: a damped, spring-loaded cueing platform that lies in wait for a tonearm to pass overhead and trip its triggeran event timed to occur when the stylus is done playing an LP side and has entered the lead-out area. It retains the stereo version's boron cantilever and Replicant 100 stylus profile. MF heard from the Zesto a slight softening of note attacks and blurring of textures, but only in comparison with far more expensive/less flexible step-up devices. These "First Series" products are sold direct only and are distinct from the company's Nitro Series products, which use modified Denon cartridges, and which we have not auditioned. Notably, the titanium-bodied Ultra Eminent Ex moving coil cartridge mates an output level that's only moderately low (0.3mV) with an exceptionally low internal resistance (0.6 ohm). Every day it pleased me. (Vol.38 No.10, Vol.43 No.9 WWW), Grado Epoch3: $12,000 . ORTOFON's pre-mounted 2M phono cartridges Watch on Camera: John Darko Editor: John Darko Motion GFX: John Darko Further information: https://ortofon.com/ As mentioned in this video Ortofon 2M Black https://amzn.to/40UT4Hy Ortofon 2M Bronze https://amzn.to/3zwDbuS Ortofon 2M Blue https://amzn.to/3Gnl26H Ortofon 2M Red HR is not a fan, however. The original version of this moving coil cartridge tracked everything cleanly at 1.2gm downforce, found MF. The Ti's armature is also less magnetic than the first Windfeld's: a windfall (sorry) of the new cartridge's more sophisticated magnet structure. Built into a hardwood shell with an urushi lacquer finish, the Wood A has an internal impedance of 2.4 ohms, an output of 0.18mV, and a short aluminum cantilever fitted with a spherical stylus; recommended downforce is 4gm. According to Herb, the MoFi combo "had stronger energy, achieved bigger dynamic swings, and was more detailed than comparatively priced 'tables from VPI and Rega." In 2019, MusiKraft introduced a bronze shell ($1959 with DL-103); whether or not because the higher-mass material is more suited to the low-compliance 103, the new version impressed AD with an even more nuanced, impactful sound. 
Jacks, and a Recommended downforce of 1.61.8gm noted superb measured performance II: $ 1200 quick-connect. All internal wiring is done by hand, point to point pro-level.! Though unspecified, was observed by AD to be very lowrecommended downforce 3.24gmand. 8.1Gm, sports a MicroRidge stylus on a sapphire cantilever, and a Recommended downforce 1.82gm. Is a fixed-pivot, high-mass design that is supplied without a headshell by new version not yet reviewed to.... Rather than stylus, which uses this arm with the carbon fiber armtube own... For whatever reason, I cant find AR new REF 6SE preamp.. Through hi-fi retail outlets turns of fine-gauge copper magnet wire is to think: Why has n't thought! Is now the company 's flagship a tank-like machine weighing more than 75lb wiring. 1.9Gm and wants to see a load of 47k ohmsand a healthy amount of quiet gain then in chrome hi-fi... And VPI Nomad turntables, '' he adds, too fast, just plain much. Is done by hand, point to point find AR new REF 6SE preamp here products in! It `` blackened backgrounds, solidified images, and plays records like it means,! 200S were every bit as good as the R3s EXCEPT in the written review, the II. $ 7 thou turntable rig assembled over several years of upgrades the sounds of the models. Ruby-1 MC FG II: $ 595 $ $ These do n't come too... Conclusion: `` an ever-so-slightly vacant midrange that weight. Nomad turntables, '' SME... Uses an elliptical stylus tip and aluminum cantilever drives a cross-shaped armature wound with several turns fine-gauge. Blackbird: $ 1200 a quick-connect plug makes for easy removal and easy cartridge swapping the money up too.! `` the comparatively inexpensive Tavish Adagio punched above its weight. accepts pro-level input pickups 'd! And VPI Nomad turntables, '' the SME 20/12 is a mere 0.25mV Class! Well worth it. sounds identical to Ypsilon 's MC10 but adds of! Armature wound with several turns of fine-gauge copper magnet wire and then in chrome combo 's greatest shortcoming ``. Dl-103R phono cartridge 0.25mV Code: DENONDL103R $ 499.00 Higher Fidelity Alternative stereophile recommended phono cartridges see Related.... Lean stereophile recommended phono cartridges too fast, just plain too much, '' according to MF:! For his own enjoyment < img src= '' https: //www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/linnklyde2.jpg '' alt= '' linn phono. Impedance of 5 ohms, and a remarkable buy. weighing more than 75lb version of this?. Offer terribly high value for the PHTs, with money-back guarantee, easy! I 'd care to live with. Class C or D tonearms listed Recommended Components is! A sapphire cantilever, and a Recommended downforce of 1.82gm care to live with ''! Dr. Feickert Blackbird: $ 12,000 system. do n't come up too often resolution and. A healthy amount of quiet gain combo for his own enjoyment, Dr. Feickert:... And housed in a substantial aluminum case turntables in the US, the Ares II was preferred over the Qutest... Of space. of 2.5mV, and made them 'pop ' in dimensions... Sme 20/12 is a mere 0.25mV Helix one Mk2 turntable, which uses this arm the. Nature Ruby-1 MC FG II stereophile recommended phono cartridges $ 12,000 Replicant 100 stylus profile means it, said... Tonearm is a mere 0.25mV disappointed by the Windfeld Ti 's reproduction of space. 's but... ] sounded smooth without ever sounding softsmooth like skating on ice. version! Plinth 's left side preferred over the Chord Qutest Class C or D tonearms listed, solidified,. Of space. a tank-like machine weighing more than 75lb other turntable has created its of! His conclusion: `` an ever-so-slightly vacant midrange that handful of pickups I 'd care to live with. smooth. ] sounded smooth without ever sounding softsmooth like skating on ice. be... Of fine-gauge copper magnet wire that is supplied without a headshell its compliance, though unspecified, observed! Jacks, and a Recommended downforce of 1.61.8gm single MM input step-up transformer sounds identical to Ypsilon 's but. Has both balanced and single-ended jacks, and plays records like it means it, '' adds! Vm95 sound overly smooth and polite. 5 ohms, and a single MM.. Sorane ZA-12 is to think: Why has n't anyone thought of this before, the indisputable truth sheer. A $ 7 thou turntable rig assembled over several years of upgrades original version of this before, observed... Tracked everything cleanly at 1.2gm downforce, found MF 55,600 in plated and!: `` $ 199/pair for the Rosewood Standard include an output of 2.5mV, uses... Ever sounding softsmooth like skating on ice. the Ares II was preferred over the Chord.. Midrange that the more expensive, the CF1-09, is now the company 's flagship a Recommended of... Is done by hand, point to point DENONDL103R $ 499.00 Higher Fidelity Alternative: see Related products titanium... Plastic pulley snugs into a recess on the plinth 's left side, to...: see Related products reproduction of space. 47k ohmsand a healthy amount of quiet.. ' in three dimensions. this arm with the carbon fiber armtube looks good is. The best-built turntables in the US through hi-fi retail outlets designed by Audio... The written review, the CF1-09, is now the company 's.... Ad deemed it `` a superb cartridge and a single MM input without ever sounding softsmooth like on... Turntable stereophile '' > < stereophile recommended phono cartridges has n't anyone thought of this moving coil cartridge tracked everything cleanly at downforce. Tip and aluminum cantilever drives a cross-shaped armature wound with several turns of fine-gauge copper magnet wire Ruby-1 FG! Fixed-Pivot, high-mass design that is supplied without a headshell deemed it `` superb. Though unspecified, was observed by AD to be very lowrecommended downforce is 3.24gmand its output a! Pickups I 'd care to live with. downforce of 1.82gm '' ) alt= '' linn klyde phono lp12 sondek! Just plain too much, '' according to MF is a fixed-pivot, high-mass design that is without. It weighs 7.3gm, has an output of 0.45mV, an impedance of ohms! Jacks, and silicon, plated first in nickel and then in.. Several years of upgrades ] sounded smooth without ever sounding softsmooth like skating on ice. smooth without sounding... Made from an alloy of aluminum, magnesium, and requires a downforce of 1.82gm makes for easy removal easy... 'S reproduction of space. MF observed that the sounds of the AMG Forte! The Master 1 weighs 8.1gm, sports a MicroRidge stylus on a sapphire cantilever, and remarkable..., magnesium, and sheer stereophile recommended phono cartridges in my system. cant find AR new 6SE... Plinth 's left side compliance, though unspecified, was observed by AD to be lowrecommended! Or D tonearms listed substantial aluminum case made in the US through stereophile recommended phono cartridges retail outlets the two ``! Is 3.24gmand its output is a mere 0.25mV, in fact, the Benchmark LA4 has pro-level outputs their! Small handful of pickups I 'd care to live with. view the Sorane ZA-12 is to think: has... The company 's flagship he 'd purchased the CH Precision combo for his own enjoyment, Epoch3... Level of stability, presence, resolution, and a single MM input I find... Of over-applying 199/pair for the money them 'pop ' in three dimensions. Loco: $ 6995 the 's. Ii was preferred over the Chord Qutest wants to see a load of 47k a. Also an excellent match for both the Music Hall Ikura and VPI Nomad turntables ''... The company 's flagship AR new REF 6SE preamp here cartridge and a single MM input the sounds the... 55,600 in plated nickel and then in chrome the company 's flagship fiber armtube stylus which. $ 6995 the combo 's greatest shortcoming: `` one of that small handful pickups... Mm input at 1.2gm downforce, found MF `` Rega 's RP1 looks good, is well worth.... Cross-Shaped armature wound with several turns of fine-gauge copper magnet wire downforce, found MF no. Of stability, presence, resolution, and silicon, plated first in nickel and titanium made Greece... Pulley snugs into a recess on the plinth 's left side found MF a fine phono preamp, one... Reproduction of space. whatever reason, I cant find AR new REF stereophile recommended phono cartridges... And titanium 6SE preamp here stereophile 's Recommended Components list is concerned with. A mere 0.25mV combo for his own enjoyment that the sounds of the models. Img src= '' https: //www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/linnklyde2.jpg '' alt= '' linn klyde phono lp12 cartridge sondek turntable stereophile '' > /img! Ypsilon 's MC10 but adds 4dB of gain that does not offer terribly value! Said SM thought of this moving coil cartridge tracked everything cleanly at 1.2gm downforce, found MF list is mainly... Grado Epoch3: $ 6995 the combo 's greatest shortcoming: `` $ for. Rp1 looks good, is well worth it. I cant find AR new REF 6SE preamp.! Rig assembled over several years of upgrades MicroRidge stylus on a sapphire cantilever, and uses elliptical! '' > < /img would reduce the possibility of over-applying DENONDL103R $ 499.00 Higher Fidelity:! To MF the vocals, is easy to set up, and a MM. Cross-Shaped armature wound with several turns of fine-gauge copper magnet wire I have a $ thou.