Low compliance MC cartridge

Exlibris

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I'm looking for recommendations on a low compliance MC cartridge.

Specifications
Mass: <10 grams
Compliance: low
Output: >0.29 mV
Output impedance <11 Ohms
Loading: ~200 ohms

Budget:
<$5,000 USD (new, retail)

Candidates (in no particular order):
1. van den Hul Crimson XGW Stradivarius (low compliance version?).
2. Koetsu Rosewood (and many others)
3. My Sonic Lab Eminent Ex (GL)
4. ?
 
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Exlibris

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Candidates
(in no particular order):

1. van den Hul:
Crimson XGW Stradivarius (low compliance version?).

2. Koetsu:
Black Goldline

3. My Sonic Lab:
Eminent Ex (GL)

4. Hana:
ML

5. Air Tight:
PC-7

6. Ikeda:
9TS


Note: some of the candidates may be slightly off on one or two of the criteria listed in the OP.
 
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bonzo75

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These are so different. Only you can judge. Since you are less classical, and more rock, if I recall correctly, you should drop vdh off that list. It is my favorite cart along with red sparrow on a linear tracker, but not for rock.
 
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Exlibris

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These are so different. Only you can judge. Since you are less classical, and more rock, if I recall correctly, you should drop vdh off that list. It is my favorite cart along with red sparrow on a linear tracker, but not for rock.

You remember correctly: more rock than classical.
Thank you for the suggestion.
The only cartridge on the list that I've actually heard is the Hana but it was in a system I was hearing for the first time and we didn't do any cartridge swapping.
 

Exlibris

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You remember correctly: more rock than classical.
Thank you for the suggestion.
The only cartridge on the list that I've actually heard is the Hana but it was in a system I was hearing for the first time and we didn't do any cartridge swapping.
In Herb Reichart's review of the Hana ML and Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue he makes mention of these cartridges' sense of space. The system with the Hana certainly had a wonderful way of projecting music out beyond the speaker plane. When things got complicated, however, the sound recessed back to the speaker plane.
 

bonzo75

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Hana is a good value for money cart but not on same league as better carts. For rock you should look to get a Garrard or a direct drive like Sony 8000. Then add a SPU on FR 64s and rock out. This is Garrard with a SPU on under 5 watts

 
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Exlibris

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Hana is a good value for money cart but not on same league as better carts. For rock you should look to get a Garrard or a direct drive like Sony 8000. Then add a SPU on FR 64s and rock out.
I do have an idler wheel table and I like the sense of space and unrestricted freedom that my linear tracker provides. I don't only listen to rock, I like a lot of softer, acoustic fare as well.
 
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Exlibris

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I do have an idler wheel table and I like the sense of space that my linear tracker provides. I don't only listen to rock, I like a lot of softer, acoustic fare as well.
I take your point on the Hana though. The two guys in the room with me at the time both have experience with it and would agree with your assessment.
 

bonzo75

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I do have an idler wheel table and I like the sense of space that my linear tracker provides. I don't only listen to rock, I like a lot of softer, acoustic fare as well.

Ok, vdh will be very good on acoustic
 
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Exlibris

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I spoke with the manufacturer of my tonearm (Leif from Air Tangent) and the manufacturer of my phonostage with built-in SUT (Thomas Mayer). They each told me what their particular component likes/needs from a cartridge.
 

bazelio

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These are so different. Only you can judge. Since you are less classical, and more rock, if I recall correctly, you should drop vdh off that list.
Why is that? Is the Crimson that much different than the Master Sig? In the case of Master Sig, it sounded great on Led Zep III over at @mountainjoe 's place. It swings.
 

bonzo75

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Why is that? Is the Crimson that much different than the Master Sig? In the case of Master Sig, it sounded great on Led Zep III over at @mountainjoe 's place. It swings.

Led zep III is largely acoustic which suits vdh. Otherwise I think for rock it is a bit leaner, and can highlight the grunge more than required
 

defride

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Hana is a good value for money cart but not on same league as better carts. For rock you should look to get a Garrard or a direct drive like Sony 8000. Then add a SPU on FR 64s and rock out. This is Garrard with a SPU on under 5 watts

Have you done direct comparisons. What have you compared the ML too?
 

Exlibris

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Etsuro Urushi removed from list of candidates because of high compliance.

Candidates
(in no particular order):

1. van den Hul:
Crimson XGW Stradivarius (low compliance version?).

2. Koetsu:
Rosewood

3. My Sonic Lab:
Eminent Ex (GL)

4. Hana:
ML

Note: some of the candidates may be slightly off on one or two of the criteria listed in the OP.
 

bazelio

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Led zep III is largely acoustic which suits vdh. Otherwise I think for rock it is a bit leaner, and can highlight the grunge more than required
OK, I can see most of that. Just not the leaner part. At least not with the black wood master sig. Reproduction of bass drums is probably one of the biggest faults with the vinyl format (IMO) overall, and I feel the Master Sig does it as well as any cart I've ever heard. Highlighting grunge a bit I can see. Some might like that though.
 

defride

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I have not. The only cartridge on the list that I've actually heard is the Hana but it was in a system I was hearing for the first time and we didn't do any cartridge swapping.
Have you?

I have an ML so interested in comparisons as I've only heard it back to back in my system (SP10mk2, Funk FX3, Groove SRX) vs AT PTGii and a Denon 103. Very happy with it

Wondered if Ked has had the opportunity

Will be interested to hear how you get on as all the carts you mention are of interest when the time comes. Someone on here recently purchased an Etsuro Cobolt, that's another in this ballpark that may be worth investigating?
 

Exlibris

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I have an ML so interested in comparisons as I've only heard it back to back in my system (SP10mk2, Funk FX3, Groove SRX) vs AT PTGii and a Denon 103. Very happy with it

Wondered if Ked has had the opportunity

Will be interested to hear how you get on as all the carts you mention are of interest when the time comes. Someone on here recently purchased an Etsuro Cobolt, that's another in this ballpark that may be worth investigating?

Unfortunately I just dropped the Etsuro from my list after reading that is in fact a high compliance cartridge. I'm looking for low compliance but low-medium (and even medium) would be okay -- but not high.
 

Kcin

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I have heard the Hana

My reference at home , Goldfinger Statement , Koetsu Jade, Atlas, Etna SL I also have an almost zero hour RSP Koetsu. I've been using a 4pt and a FR64s ( mainly for the Koetsus- but it it extraordinarily accommodating of most cartridges)

Heard Hana at my dealer friend as well against GFS, Miyajima Madake, DV XV1s and more.

The Hana is an excellent performer and value but not in the league of those listed for what they do well. You have to choose your priorities.
 
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