Cartridge choice...

nooshinjohn
nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
edited November 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
Down to just three candidates... I have narrowed my choice down to the Grado Platinum 1 Wood Body, Sumiko BluePoint Special EvoIII or a Denon DL-301mkII... I have included lnks to the specs for each. The turntable will be my Yamaha PX-3, and I will be attempting to use the phono pre of my Sunfire TGP-5. the specs for the phono pre section are (for 0.5 V output): 125 mV Phono: 1.6 mV ....Any advice?

http://www.needledoctor.com/Denon-DL-301-Mk-2-Phono-Cartridge_2?sc=2&category=369

http://www.needledoctor.com/Sumiko-Blue-Point-Special-Evo-III?sc=2&category=382

http://www.needledoctor.com/Grado-Platinum1-Wood-Body-Phono-Cartridges?sc=2&category=374
The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

“When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
Post edited by nooshinjohn on
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited November 2009
    wow... the results are astounding!:rolleyes:

    come on guys, I have next to zore experience here and I sure could use the help...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited November 2009
    You cannot beat a pair of ears; I don't know what you like, so my fave might not align at all with yours. Of those three, I'd choose the Grado without hesitation; I would call the Grado sound "lush", and I like that a lot. The classic Denon LOMCs are very satisfying (I've never heard a 301, though). I don't care at all for the Sumiko Blue Point HOMC cartridges I've heard.

    ... but YMMV.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2009
    I voted for the Grado,, I don't own one, but the ones that I've heard reproduce the "sound" that I'm attracted to.Kinda bloomy,organic,,warm fuzzies.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited November 2009
    I voted for the Sumiko, but I think you should go ahead and get the Sumiko Blue Point Special No. 2.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited November 2009
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    wow... the results are astounding!:rolleyes:

    come on guys, I have next to zore experience here and I sure could use the help...

    If you weren't such a Grade A ****...........perhaps more people would be inclined to help. I think those that did reply just threw you a pity bone.

    Just saying............

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited November 2009
    Awww come on Nooshi is not that bad. He just gets excited and may be a little desensitized from being a marine. He's a good guy.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited November 2009
    heiney9 wrote: »
    If you weren't such a Grade A ****...........perhaps more people would be inclined to help. I think those that did reply just threw you a pity bone.

    Just saying............

    H9

    Sorry you feel that way. I agree that I can come across like an **** as you put it, but I have always been respectful of others and I try to help where I can. Many people here come across that way as well, but their intent is understood by all and they are accepted for who they are. There are a few here that hold onto everything that happens here as if their lives depend on it, and they make every attempt to never let a bygone be just that. I do not expect to get along with everyone. If I have wronged you in the past, I appologize and if there is something you wish to get off your chest, please PM me and perhaps we can work it out and move on.:)


    Peace...

    John
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited November 2009
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    ... but I have always been respectful of others ....John
    I don't normally comment on such matters but since you make such a claim in the above quote I have too call BS.Recently you have been very abusive to certain members whom disagreed with your point of view .Also posting the running total of your updated "bozo list" was a bit juvenile IMO.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,418
    edited November 2009
    I meant for the word try in place of been... I am not perfect by any means. But I am trying to get there. If you think I am out of line... PM me and we can talk.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited November 2009
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    If you think I am out of line... PM me and we can talk.
    I'll leave it to the mod's to determine that.
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited November 2009
    John,

    The only one I've heard out of the bunch is the Grado Reference Platinum 1. It's very warm and musical. I really liked it's sound in the limited time I got to hear it. This will probably be my next cartridge. I am also very interested in the Denon DL-301 as I currently own a DL-160 and thouroughly enjoy it.

    Mhardy is right, if you could listen to each, I would definitely do so, because everyone's ears are different and you need to also account for your current system and system synergy.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited November 2009
    I'm not meaning to say anything negative about the Grado. But, I've heard a few folks talking about compatability issues with the Grado and TT's in general having some hum issues.

    Look here and follow the other links to see if there could be an issue with that Grado cart and your TT.

    http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=209233&highlight=grado

    You may have to join to follow the link to the thread. Its a database for hum issues with the different combinations of Grado carts and different TT's.

    Good Luck.
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  • maandjojo
    maandjojo Posts: 293
    edited November 2009
    From what I've read in the past few days about Grado cartridges is that it depends where the motor is. If its near the center of the TT you will probably have a problem. An example, the Project Debut III has the motor toward the side of the turntable so I would assume this wouldn't have a problem. I will let you know, I am about to upgrade to the Grado Red.
    By the way, I've met John and he was very good with me. When God starts to give out perfect pills we can all stand in line.

    Good day all,
    Joe
    Joe
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  • TSWisla
    TSWisla Posts: 446
    edited November 2009
    The Grado hum issues are with the metal body carts, I have a Sonata and it is magical. You also have to consider that the Grado is MM, has more output. Good luck.
    Zu Soul Supreme
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    Esoteric K-07
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited November 2009
    TSWisla wrote: »
    The Grado hum issues are with the metal body carts, I have a Sonata and it is magical. You also have to consider that the Grado is MM, has more output. Good luck.

    AS I recall there are both high(er) and low(er) output versions of the better/wood body Grados available (aren't there?).

    For the record (pun intended) and a bit over-technically... the Grado cartridges are actually moving iron ("variable reluctance") rather than moving magnet cartridges. The classic GE "Variable Reluctance" and bang * olufsen "MMC" cartridges were also MI designs.

    Interestingly, Joe Grado actually invented the moving coil cartridge (or so I have read). Grado definitely made MC cartridges in their early days, but gave up on 'em pretty quickly and have made great sounding (if slightly finicky) MI cartridges ever since.

    EDIT: by "finicky" I am referring to the "Grado hum" and the "Grado dance" issues -- I have personally had no trouble with either, but there are numerous reports of both under certain circumstances.
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited November 2009
    mhardy6647,

    I know Grado does sell lower output versions in the wood bodied line, I'm not positive on higher output models, but you very well could be right. I really like these cartridges, as stated earlier this will probably be my next cartridge. Keep that vinyl spinning

    Steve
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  • maandjojo
    maandjojo Posts: 293
    edited November 2009
    Well the Grado Prestige Red1 is now on my Debut III and does exactly what I wanted. I can enjoy the vocals as they should be. A great upgrade for my system.

    Thanks,
    Joe
    Joe
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