Phono cartridge for classic rock


Any suggestions for a phono cartridge that plays "classic rock" well? It seems that the MCs I've used over the past few years (Lyra Dorian, Ortofon Kontrapunkt A) aren't the best choice. They play some of my old records superb and then some with cold sounding midrange and highs.

If Stanton still made the 881 with the shibata stylus tip they offered I'd be in heaven, but that's not an option. I do have a Dennon DL103 in the closet but haven't tried it with my current gear. I'm using a VPI Scout (just got it and love it), Electrocompaniet ECP1 phono and ECI3 integrated, Linn Ninka loudspeakers. Thanks for any advice.
mbenus
How about a Decca (London)? The most 'live sounding' cart there is. Great taut bass, rhythm and a misunderstood gem. It doesn't trash your records (at least it hasn't over 30 years with my LPs). I use mine on a Hadcock (it likes damped unipivots) and it compares very well to my Allaerts MC1B on a Schroeder (both on a Platine Verdier); not quite as subtle with a less airy soundstage, but on rock it beast the pants off the Allaerts.

Charlie
www.charlie-chan.co.uk
this thread is 5 years old

I have a very nuanced cartridge/arm
zyx universe ii/Durand Telea
stunning with nuance and detail for nearly everything except a few really driving rock pieces

I am looking for the possibility of a second arm with an interchangeable headshell for those overpowering rock pieces

I would like to swap between
1) mono - mm
2) mm - rock cartridges

I have a Doshi Aalap with 1 MC and 2 MM inputs

any relatively inexpensive but good - bang for your buck arm with detachable headshell, mono and mm recommendations?
ACUTEX M320 III STR and SHURE ULTRA 500 are perfect match to rock and make Robin Trower shine :) They also fit perfectly any kind of music :)

I strongly recommend the Audio-Technica ANV150 as well and I do have one NIB for sale. My price is 790 USD including tracked delivery Worldwide.

Best regards
Tom,

To emphasize oomph at the expense of nuance and detail, try scooting VTF up by a hair.

As you know, the UNIii is profoundly responsive to tiny VTF adjustments. If you're like me you optimize it daily (sometimes more often) to optimize its strengths. Of course this requires constant awareness and adjustment, as changes of .001g or less should be audible in your system.

When the urge arises to play on the dark side, an increase of say 0.1g from the ideal VTF will add macro-oomph at the cost of some HF response and low level detail. Play around with it.

Not that you shouldn't acquire more toys! But the above is a cheap way to tweak sonics with the excellent toys already on hand.

Enjoy!

There is no such thing as a cartridge or arm that is better at rock than anything else. That is a myth plain and simple. Electronics (including speakers) don't have taste and can't tell what music you are playing through it.

In short if its really good at jazz and classical its really good at rock too. That's how it is.

Now it may be that a particular recording reveals a weakness. That weakness will show up elsewhere guaranteed. Do as Doug suggests- its a good suggestion.