Looking for dynamic MC cartridge

[dikki]

I am thinking about replacing my Linn Addikt with a MC cartridge, but I'm kind of lost. There's a lot of options.
Also, In my experience MC usually means less dynamic sound. Since I use the turntable for both classical music and pop, I want both worlds.
I am looking for a cartridge that can deliver high dynamic sound coupled with a good frequency range. Can anybody here give me some advice?

I use a only Linn setup, with LP12 and Ekos 1.

[Popey]

I don't know why you should feel that MC cartridges lack dynamics.
I've just upgraded from an Ortofon MC10 supreme to a Benz Micro Ace SL, which is a low-output MC cartridge. The cartridge is also available as a high-output variant if you don't have a phono stage capable of taking a low output cartridge.

Mine's in an Ittok on a Lingo'd LP12. Plenty of dynamics here, and it's great with both classical and rock music. It's been home 24 hours now and had Chris Rea, Max Bruch, George Gershwin, Rickie Lee Jones, Van Morrison and Joe Walsh thrown at it so far.

I'm sure other people will have their own views on what constitutes a good MC cartridge, but I am absolutely thrilled with the Benz. I am sure for example that the current range of Linn MCs would be worth looking at too, as would cartridges from Dynavector, Denon (there are a lot of Denon fans on this forum), Ortofon and Audio Technica.

Ultimately, it depends upon your budget and what the rest of your system is as to what will work well. With your LP12/Ekos, you should be able to get something that sounds pretty special.

Good luck!

[satanfriendly]

I too am puzzled by your statement 'less dynamics'. Quite the opposite in I have met few MM's which match MC's for dynamics.

I'll second the Benz ACE, but I do have a friend with an LP12/Ittok who says the Denon DLS1 is still the best he has met for this combination. I'll hopefully be trying a Dynavector 23R on an Ittok next weekend and I am pinning high hopes on this. If it is anything like the old Karat Ruby it should be pretty awesome being as the Karat is still the best cartridge I have ever used, and that was on an SMEIII.

[nabil]

You should take a serious look at Denon's DL-S1; a very low output moving coil, so you have to be careful and make sure that your phono stage is compatible. I like to refer to the sound of this cartridge like a velvet glove around an iron fist-lots of musical nuance, very neutral, but also is able to play with verve, blood and guts etc. It is very dynamic...

[dlaloum]

Another suggestion...

One of the cartridges with unparalleled dynamic ability (which is defined by impulse response, which in turn is related to extreme wideband frequency response) is the Dynavector Karat...

Take a look at the DV17D3

[dikki]

@Popey & @satanfriendly: I can only speak from my own experience. I have heard a Sumiko mc cartridge that I thought could use a little more spunk. And since cartridges don't come cheap I wanted to be sure I don't get the same problem.

Anyway, thanks for all the advice!

[andyr]

I am thinking about replacing my Linn Addikt with a MC cartridge, but I'm kind of lost. There's a lot of options.

Also, In my experience MC usually means less dynamic sound. Since I use the turntable for both classical music and pop, I want both worlds.

I am looking for a cartridge that can deliver high dynamic sound coupled with a good frequency range. Can anybody here give me some advice?

I use a only Linn setup, with LP12 and Ekos 1.

Hi dikki,

I have an LP12 too (although with what I consider is a better arm than an Ekos 1 ) and I also use it for both pop (and jazz) and classical. I have both a top-flight LOMC (Benz Ebony LP) and a top-flight MM (actually Moving Iron, as it's the Grado Reference Reference1).

I recently had a "comparison night" with a few friends; the Grado RR1 was considered to have a lot more mid-range energy than the Benz LP (although it is no slouch! ) - which is very attractive. But it does not deliver cymbals with as much HF extension as the Benz.

However, the Grado is $1,500 ... as against $5K for the Benz - so in my mind, the Grado RR1 is the better buy. Only if you decide you need the HF extension of the $5K Benz would you buy it, in preference to the Grado. I've been listening to the Grado for the last few months.

Good luck in your search.

Andy

[Spinnr]

Dikki.

If you are are a linnie, why not stay with their fantastic offering? Can't imagine Linn not having ever more special carts as you move up the range. If there is a Linn outlet near you, I am sure you could audition a cartridge on a 12 so you would know exactly the sound you are buying.

The problem with any suggestions here is the very real notion of synergy. A dynamic cartridge that I have taken time to match with my system may sound lacking on yours. Staying, and auditioning, with Linn ensures that the synergy is there, the rest is just up to your ears, and pockets.

Vinyl forever.

[dikki]

Dikki.

If you are are a linnie, why not stay with their fantastic offering? Can't imagine Linn not having ever more special carts as you move up the range. If there is a Linn outlet near you, I am sure you could audition a cartridge on a 12 so you would know exactly the sound you are buying.

The problem with any suggestions here is the very real notion of synergy. A dynamic cartridge that I have taken time to match with my system may sound lacking on yours. Staying, and auditioning, with Linn ensures that the synergy is there, the rest is just up to your ears, and pockets.

Vinyl forever.

Thank you for your reply.
My current Addikt is reacting perfectly with the Ekos, so I prefer a Linn cartridge. On the other hand, I want to keep my eyes open for other manufacturers.
Also, I want to know what the experience is with this kind of thing. Are there more people around who encountered this dynamics problem?

[nabil]

Dikki,

I think you need to elaborate more about what you mean regarding the word "dynamics". In music dynamics refers to the difference between loud and soft passages-but I'm pretty sure this is not what you are talking about. I interpreted your use of the word to center around a cartridge's ability to play dramatically: to play with both verve and finesse. Is this what you mean? Additionally, most us are looking for a cartridge that displays neutrality but not sterility.

Much of what we hear with a given cartridge is system dependent; a cartridge that sounds wonderfully neutral and dramatic in one system may sound dull and lifeless and in another. The cartridge I use is a good example (Denon Dl-S1); if not loaded correctly, it can be bright. If your system already leans this way then the Denon can be downright overbearing-but loaded correctly and in the right system, it is absolute bliss.

Hope this helps.

[steve195527]

if you want dynamics get a decca london! they make any other cartridge,no matter what type,sound lacking in dynamics

[Spinnr]

Nabil.

Like the way you have described this complex and really quite unexplainable subject. My feeling is that Dikki is really enjoying vinyl, wants to experiment, and grow in understanding. More joy awaits.

My suggestion would be to get a great Linn cartridge for the 12, but to buy another turntable and start experimenting. The 12 is for serious listening where all components have synergy, nothing wanting. But the extra table allows for weekend fun changing cartridges and listening to the results, and joining in the conversations here about different, and very affordable, cartridges.

Vinyl would then become a very much more active hobby, and not just waiting another five years for the serious cartridge to wear out, and choose again.

Am thinking the very same thing right now, with the purchase of a Rega Planar 3. Swapping between the turntables would just be one notch on the preamp. And a lot of weekend comparing, buying, reading, trying, and reporting back here fun.

Vinyl forever.

[Hanuman]

if you want dynamics get a decca london! they make any other cartridge,no matter what type,sound lacking in dynamics

I must say I was thinking the same.

A couple of caveats, though:

By comparison, on some records, my Lyra Delos (not known for its velvet touch) immediately after the London Super Gold is like warm water over your bleeding ears!

The London is brutal on surface noise - for that reason alone I don't use it much.


The basic sentiment is spot-on, though. It's a different experience.

[steve195527]

if you want dynamics get a decca london! they make any other cartridge,no matter what type,sound lacking in dynamics

I must say I was thinking the same.

A couple of caveats, though:

By comparison, on some records, my Lyra Delos (not known for its velvet touch) immediately after the London Super Gold is like warm water over your bleeding ears!

The London is brutal on surface noise - for that reason alone I don't use it much.


The basic sentiment is spot-on, though. It's a different experience.

I have a Garrot Decca(needs new stylus at moment)that was ok surface noise wise and even though the londons do have drawbacks there is nothing to come close for musicality(for want of a better description):-I tried the decca gold and couldn't get one that tracked anything like "good",tried about 5,but did like the sound so bought one of the garrots when max townshend was importing them ,he had the parabolic stylus company or something at the time(years ago!)