red ed

[freebird48081]

Any opinions on red ed eliptical cartridge?
Would use it on a Dual 502 or Technics sl-1400.
I like the price & any thoughts would be helpful.

Thanks

[royphil345]

I see this post is over a month old now, but i figured I'd reply in case anybody found this post on a search like I did...

The "Red Ed Elliptical" is really a Pfanstiehl MG-29E and you can get it for even less than Ed sells it for.

I think it sounds pretty amazing for the price. Very pleasant tonal balance, just slightly on the hot side to compensate for it's slight lack of detail. Very punchy bass, but not all that deep. I actually prefer it over my Ortofon 2M Blue, which I think is ridiculously bright sounding for a $200.00 cartridge. It does show it's limitations with certain recordings and doesn't sound as "open" or "transparent" as more expensive cartridges, imaging can be a bit vague and forward. But, it always manages to sound "musical", it tracks well and there is some depth and width to the soundstage.

I found a digital rip of the branded Goldring Elektra version and the unbranded version does seem to sound exactly the same. IMO, you probably couldn't do much better for the $100.00 the branded versions go for. At around $20.00 for the Pfanstiehl, it's a steal!

I think it sounds a bit more "open" than the Audio Technica AT-95E due to the slightly thinner stylus profile and sounds better when comparing the two cartridges with the stock styli.

[bauzace50]

Hi,

I heard the red ed with the Goldring label on a visit last year. It did sound pleasant and free of vices. Intriguing product at the price of one fast-food meal with extra side salad. And the observation about it sounding more open than the AT95 makes it all the more intriguing.
Regards,
bauzace50

[freefallrob]

I've used Goldrings version the Elan and Electra, I liked both and rather strangley prefered the Elan (Sperical version) more often than not (good on cheesy 'NOW' albums! ). They work really well in the RB250/RB300 etc, thogh I haven't tried on in a Technics arm.

[KentT]

I am running the Red Ed conical presently and love the sound. Also tracks superbly at 2 grams even on some tough records.

[Oktyabr]

I've been thinking about picking up one (or a few!) of these myself. Currently with a Pro-ject 1.2 tt and the well worn Sumiko Oyster it came with.

I'm sure it's a good cart and it's nice to see some comparisons made! In my opinion views that something "is good for the money", regarding anything cheap, does nothing to help steer a potential buyer in the right direction.

[bauzace50]

Yes Oktyabr

I am sick of all those audio commentaries where EVERYTHING "Punches above its price", and "Great for the money" That is nonsense. Makes no sense at all!

Egad! Just say WHAT it does, and how well! I mean, you don't get image size of $1,200., and cymbal tone of $2,000., or a Pavarotti high C of $375.00 worth. "Oh, that was a $2,000. "High C", wow". Yeah.

bauzace50

PS- I'm getting one Red Ed come next paycheck, substituting one meal at Wendy's

[KentT]

Yes, agreed about those statements. What the Red Ed/Goldring Elan/Elektra does happen to be is a very good inexpensive cartridge. It isn't the most refined. But it is decent for it's price. It's not the best cartridge in my modest fleet. I do recommend it for something cheap and cheerful or backup cartridge duty. In that scenario, it will serve you OK until you can manage better.

[Oktyabr]

Well, I ordered a Red Ed elliptical!

[Snead]

The only thing about this (29,29e) cart that gives me pause is the cantilever/stylus effective mass spec of .7

That would have been merely 'ok' in 1975, much less today, so it's potential is limited. As far as I know, there's no upgrade path either.

That makes it a 'dead ender' in my book.

It does sound good for the miniscule price though. (sorry B50!)

[royphil345]

The only thing about this (29,29e) cart that gives me pause is the cantilever/stylus effective mass spec of .7

That would have been merely 'ok' in 1975, much less today, so it's potential is limited. As far as I know, there's no upgrade path either.

That makes it a 'dead ender' in my book.

It does sound good for the miniscule price though. (sorry B50!)

I agree, it is kind of a "dead ender", where upgrade styli are available for something like the AT95E. I did see a hyperelliptical stylus for the "Red Ed" on LP Gear, but the cantilever still looks fat and I'm not going to spend the money to try it.

Still, if I were on a tight budget, I couldn't think of a much better place to be dead ended at for awhile. Something about the tone of this cartridge really does it for me. There is a bit of "thickness" to the sound, probably due to the cantilever mass. But, there's still nice depth, nice "punch" and it sounds more involving to me than some more expensive cartridges. There's just something "right" about it. I could live with this cartridge if I had to and I'm not sure there's another sub-$100.00 cartridge I could honestly say that about. The rest of them seem to have strong points and problems that drive me nuts. Nothing offends when I'm listening to the "Red Ed" elliptical.