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"Harder" cartridge recomendation

After some time with EMT TSD15SPH, which is basically my first serious cart (along with it's EMT930 platform and 929 arm), I comeback to the question of finding something faster, "harder", more transparent perhaps but I do like "bigger sound". I'm mounting a second arm on 930: SME3012R and I'm looking for a fast cart in 1-1.2kEU range. Phono is a diy 834 with Tribute nano crystal SUT's.

I've been looking at SPU Royal N, but IIRC EMT somehow derives from the SPU family, so it may or may not be what I have in mind.

Any opinions? Thanks,
bydlo
bydlo
mechans
2,999 posts
 
If you like the SPU style carts, why not engage Ortofon in deciding which one would suit you best. They are a major investment so I would want to get there advice and possibly a trial run of some sort before the deal is finalized. I may be living in a fantasy world but who knows? If you establish yourself as a serious customer what kinds of accomodations may be offered?
bydlo OP
84 posts
 
Let me pharase it differently: is there any interesting cart in the 1-1.2kEu range which would: 1) match SME3012R 2) be "harder", more agressive than TSD15?

Cheers,
--b
nandric's avatar
nandric
3,263 posts
 
You may also consider the FR 7 series (7,7f,7fz). Some
respected members are very impressed (Dertonarm,Halcro,etc)
while they are a kind of bargain. Besides can be retipped
by Axel with even better styli.
bydlo OP
84 posts
 
Nandric, they are available only used right? This is something I'd like to avoid...just like buying used underwear ;) What is sort of surprising is that it seems
there is little verbalized experience on TSD vs SPU carts. Or does it confirm that sonically both families are relatives so there is nothing to talk about?
nandric's avatar
nandric
3,263 posts
 
Bydlo, 'used underwear' may appeal to some persons but I
don't believe that any person who buy second hand carts
has this assotiation. The FR-7 series are made to last.
But of course the stylus need to be substituted from time
to time. You may be interested inwhat Halcro has to say about his which is just retipped by Axel in Germany (MM thread, Halcro 04-27-12)
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