@chakster
I disagree. Modern moving magnet cartridge technology benefits from the latest refinements in material, design and manufacturing techniques that didn’t exist in the 80’s, when those processes were relatively inefficient.
Fashion in the audiophile world doesn’t equate to outright performance, much less value, but there are coincidences.
The microline styli found on relatively inexpensive cartridges such as the Audio-Technica VM540ML (mslp $250) and VM740ML (mslp $330) are vastly superior conical and elliptical profiles in all respects. They are similar in performance to the vaunted Shibata profile, but with much better stylus longevity. All this in “unfashionable” moving magnet design, but still able to deliver excellent performance along with good value.
In my eyes, this combination of performance:value is very relevant, dare I say fashionable.
Modern MM is out of fashion in audiophiles world, manufacturers does not care about it much, because the profit is low compared to the MC, let’s face it. This is the reason why MM/MI from the 70’s/80’s are so amazing.
I disagree. Modern moving magnet cartridge technology benefits from the latest refinements in material, design and manufacturing techniques that didn’t exist in the 80’s, when those processes were relatively inefficient.
Fashion in the audiophile world doesn’t equate to outright performance, much less value, but there are coincidences.
The microline styli found on relatively inexpensive cartridges such as the Audio-Technica VM540ML (mslp $250) and VM740ML (mslp $330) are vastly superior conical and elliptical profiles in all respects. They are similar in performance to the vaunted Shibata profile, but with much better stylus longevity. All this in “unfashionable” moving magnet design, but still able to deliver excellent performance along with good value.
In my eyes, this combination of performance:value is very relevant, dare I say fashionable.