What Are Some Of The Best MM/User Replaceable Stylus Carts Out There?

Dunno if it was mentioned yet, but you take a look at the higher-spec models from the LPGear Vessel line.

The Vessel R3SM cartridge

The Vessel R3SS cartridge

 

Someone mentioned the Goldring 1042.

Has anyone in the U.S. ordered this cartridge from Europe? Prices there at some shops seem lower than what U.S. stockists are charging...

I'd consider one at the European price but not at the U.S. price. There is always the chance of getting hit with customs fees though, so it might be a wash ordering from Europe.

 

That was my conclusion after using MC's. It was that the hassle just wasn't worth it to me. The ease/affordability of replacement as also had a great deal impact on my decision to move back to MM.

M~

 

I ordered a 1042 from England several years ago. It was below the threshold for customs fees. And I wasn’t charged VAT.

 

Fair points! Sounds like the kind of thing I'm likely to say at some point down the track. For now, I'm thoroughly enjoying my first MC experience.

 

I haven't gone through really any of what's available at the higher end of MMs, so I don't really know what I'm missing from down that road, but I will say that moving coils deliver - in my experience, anyway - much more in terms of detail and refinement in the sound, no doubt about that.

 

One of the nicest systems I've ever heard was fronted up by an IQ3 - really impressed.

IQ users: have you found the relatively high (6.5 mV) output best suited to a lower gain phono stage at all?

 

I second this. Reviews on this cartridge are great. This is what I'm using.

 

I use my IQ3 with a Graham Slee Accession phono stage (input rating 1.6mV to 7.2mV recommended, max 35mV rms. Max output 5.2V rms).

I have also used it with a Graham Slee Reflex M (1.6mV to 9.2mV recommended, max 46mV rms. Max output 5.2V rms).

In each case they sound superb & the higher cartridge output means it matches the volume of my digital sources well without needing adjustment.

 

How much better/different are your Lyras compared to your favorite MM cartridges? This is something I rarely see people post about high end MC vs MM, so I'm curious what you think sound quality wise leaving the convenience aside.

Edit: posted that when I was still reading page 1, I see you've elaborated on the second page.

 

Ortofon OM 40. See here.

 

I think most ignore this cart unless they are introduced to it via a TT purchase.

 

I see you have a VPI Classic. VPI used to list cartridge recommendations although it appears the link is broken.

VPI Industries | Turntables Made in USA

 

Subtle details that you'll never hear on the Shure, soundstage depth, warmer and better articulated tonality through the spectrum, firstly apparent in the relaxed but extended highs, but also very noticeable in the tightened, better defined bass...any of the Lyras will reveal things you probably never heard or noticed before on even your favourite records. Both the Lyra monos brought out life in my best mono records, made the vocals lift up off the instrumental and come forward in a way I hadn't heard before...

Now all the above might make you think the Shure is just junk and it absolutely is not, but you would not expect to compare it with carts that are many times more expensive. Still, it holds its own for something that, if I recall correctly, I paid around $425 or $450 or so. Like I probably mentioned before, I'm surprised at how good it sounds. Really makes me sad Shure discontinued it, but it's great that JICO still makes two or three replacement styluses for it.

 

I'd like to see their recommendations.

 

+1 for nagaoka mp500

 

Found the new page but it doesn’t show recommendations for the Classic.

VPI Industries | Turntables Made in USA

 

Most recent archive here:

VPI Industries

 

I've bought two Goldring 1042 from Analogue Seduction, they came to $375 and $355 shipped. No customs tax charged.

I like the 1042 very much, but I am tempted by an IQ3. I would love to compare the two, but it is an expensive propostion.

 

Sheesh...Audio Note has the most user unfriendly web info ever. I could not find a published price for the IQ3 anywhere -- not on the company website, not from any distributor in the UK, US or AU--they just bounce you back to the company website.

I suppose this is supposed to signal 'exclusive' to potential customers. It's starting to signal "more trouble than it's worth" to me. Can anyone point me to some buying info anywhere?

 

AN published info isn't the best or the most transparent, but any time I've contacted them (phone and email) they've been fantastic. Responsive and very helpful.

Quick email to a dealer should do it.

 

Sent one to a US dealer on the East Coast two days ago. Nothing yet.

 

I believe they don't allow dealers to publish pricing to avoid undercutting (including from different markets). Peter Qvortrup runs his company very tightly but when I emailed him I got a fast and very helpful reply.

 

I tried an Ortofon 2M Black but found its top end to be too "fizzy" for my system and ears. While I like being able to hear detail, I found it too revealing. I tried a Nagaoka MP500 which is probably at the very opposite end of the sound profile spectrum and it suits me much better. To be fair to the Black, it most likely wasn't set up as well as it needed to be, but it's finicky nature is a mark against it in my opinion. I'm really enjoying the Nag but you have to be a fan of a "blacker" sound.

 

I'll throw in a vote for the Clearaudio MM carts. They are quite overpriced IMO, and I only have a Virtuoso because it came with my turntable, and Clearaudio insists that they are not user serviceable, when they certainly are, and easily. They use exposed/naked styli, a blessing for alignment but some find them easily snagged and broken. However, if you find yourself with one, and they can be had on the cheap online because of said broken styli, they sound wonderful and the user can easily install readily-available AT95e styli into them for a pittance. I'm listening to a Virtuoso right now onto which I installed a 95HE stylus and it sounds better than any other other cart I've used, although admittedly I haven't owned any other very expensive carts.