Time for new cartridge, suggestions?

[jimbones]

It's been a long time since I bought a cartridge. I don't have a huge amount of hours on mine but I would like to move on from my Benz Micro Glider HOMC. Sounds nice but never had anything else in my system. I don't like lean sound cartridges so lush lower mids are liked. My budget is $800-$1300 (new or used) I want to go LOMC (preferred). My table is VPI Classic II with JMW 10.5 inch arm. I have a Modwright LS100 with phono that has sufficient gain. Thank you in advance for suggestions.

 

[XV-1]

I think the Hana cartridges would be right up your musical preference. I know a few audio buddies that own them and they are excellent cartridges with some warmth. Hana SL would seem to fit the bill.

https://www.needledoctor.com/HANA-MC-Phono-Cartridge-Shibata

 

[Solypsa]

For the Hana, on that arm, you'll need a 'heavy screw' kit or similar to add some mass as they are quite light.

 

[Solypsa]

The following cart is my import, so I am biased here, but you really should know about it as it would suit your system:

http://www.tonepublications.com/analogaholic/the-sensitive-sound-art-majestic-mc-cartridge/

 

[jimbones]

I think the Hana cartridges would be right up your musical preference. I know a few audio buddies that own them and they are excellent cartridges with some warmth. Hana SL would seem to fit the bill.

https://www.needledoctor.com/HANA-MC-Phono-Cartridge-Shibata

I was thinking Hana ML or Dyna 20X2L

 

[XV-1]

I was thinking Hana ML or Dyna 20X2L

Both nice carts as well. You are on the right track.

 

[Ron Resnick]

It's been a long time since I bought a cartridge. I don't have a huge amount of hours on mine but I would like to move on from my Benz Micro Glider HOMC. Sounds nice but never had anything else in my system. I don't like lean sound cartridges so lush lower mids are liked. My budget is $800-$1300 (new or used) I want to go LOMC (preferred). My table is VPI Classic II with JMW 10.5 inch arm. I have a Modwright LS100 with phono that has sufficient gain. Thank you in advance for suggestions.

I enjoyed the Benz-Micro Ruby 2 for 18 years. What is the current Benz-Micro model in your price range?

Still liking the Ruby 2-type sound I am moving on to a ZYX UNIverse Premium. Maybe look into the ZYX in your price range?

 

[stephen_volker]

I am a big fan of Van den Hul. You can have them to be repaired if there are any issues and can get them reasonably priced.

 

[geodiak]

Shelter 501 made in Japan!
Lush sounding cartridge.

 

[Joto]

For the Hana, on that arm, you'll need a 'heavy screw' kit or similar to add some mass as they are quite light.

You can buy weights that attach to the top of your headshell for about $5 on ebay much cheaper than the screws. I used one wen I changed to a Soundsmith cartridge on my VPI

 

[mulveling]

Ah, my first cartridge was a Benz Glider L2, and I remember well that 1st upgrade decision! Back before I took the "blow it all" budget mentality with cartridges I auditioned the Ortofon Kontrapunkt "a" (now Cadenza Red, which is even better) and liked it better than the Glider, but that Ortofon model will not have the warmth you seek. I ended up with a Kontrapunkt "c" (now Cadenza Bronze), which has that warmth and would be an amazing upgrade to you Glider - but it's outside your stated budget. Later I picked up a Benz Wood M2 and Ref 3 for fun (note these are all 1 series out of date) - there's definitely a consistent Benz "house sound" across the 3 models, which is nice and I really do like it, but felt that overall performance scaled better with the Ortofons in that price range.

Shelters have a great tone and touch of warmth, but I've only heard/own their 2 top models (Accord, Harmony) - still, I'm sufficiently impressed that I'd be looking hard at the various Shelter models if I were you (I like them better than Ortofons). I like Koetsu even better than Shelter, but...price.

And of course the Hanas have been getting the most press in this price range, though I've not heard one myself. Probably worth a look!

 

[bazelio]

Is your arm the metal JMW or the 3D printed version? Cart choice would most likely be different based this. With the metal arm, Denon 103r, Hana SL, Cadenza Bronze are likely candidates. With the 3D printed arm, Dynavector 20X2 or if you can stretch for XX2 even better. The Transfiguration Axia might actually be a nice match for either arm, though I'm not sure what's happening with Transfiguration as a company at this point.

 

[jeff1225]

I second the recommendation of a Shelter 501. Full range, excellent tracking and beautiful midrange.

 

[Solypsa]

snip- With the metal arm, Denon 103r, Hana SL, Cadenza Bronze are likely candidates. -snip

i've setup all three of these on metal jmw arms...the denon and hana are both on the light side (re-body the Denon, add weights for the Hana).