Cartridge Recommendations

@solypsa Great suggestions. I’ll look into the lines you propose.  Thanks. 

There are plenty of very good carts for under $3k, but the Spiral Groove / Phantom combo is very much high-end. Honestly carts in the $3.5-$5k range would be typical. Not that spending money is important in itself, just saying the table deserves a really good cart if budget is available.  I'm not experienced with the Herron so can't say how it will affect the equation.

Miyajima deserves their good reputation, definitely not analytical (some might say less detailed). 

You could try one of the moddified Denon dl103r that are out there to keep costs down

The Sensitive Sound line is great, but I'm involved  with them will leave that to some upcoming reviews...

There are so many more- we live in great times for analog!

@solypsa I just recently cobbled together this analog setup so I have no cartridge to compare in this system. Previously I listened for now several decades on a Thorens that I purchased new in 1982 using a Shure cartridge and feeding into a George Wright phono amp. You do pose the question of cost and my 3k budget is arbitrary, but set on the premise (which should probably be a question) that above that price Is diminishing returns. Not sure whether there is a sweet spot for price so I picked 3k 

Black brings more "high end" performance..closer to the Winfield   My Winfield cost 3k new.

Sub $3k for a new cart, in today's dollars, is a bit below the potential of the rest of your very fine equipment. Lightly used is another story...

It might help to mention what you were running and how it did, both positive and negative...

Absolutely not fatiguing just don’t find that I am engaged in the music as much. To me (don’t flame me people) I find it a cerebral cartridge whereas the Red is more visceral and fun sounding. 

Dsholl1 — is the “brutally neutral” cadenza black fatiguing? Or too honest with each disc? Or too ascetic and analytic?

Thanks for the feedback. I’ve looked at the Grado Refernce and Statement and read some of the board feedback here on moving iron cartridges. What do like about the way Grado works in your system?

Grado are excellent. 20 year fan. Several carts.

@diaspora Yeah, I hear you. I have a lesser Decca and it is stunning... but as you say, it can exacerbate pops and clicks BUT the speed and presentation make you simply sit in awe at the music. In a perfect world the London would be on a 12" arm with a second arm hosting a great MC.

I am currently using a Cadenza Red. I have a Black too but prefer the Red on my musical selections. 

The Black is brutally neutral whereas the Red has more colour, tone and energy but loses out on frequency extension. 

A friend has the Bronze and I will probably get one someday I think the Red and Bronze have more in common where is the Blue is more like the Black. 

Thanks much for your input. 

To Stringreen & amg56: any opinion on the distinctions between the Cadenza black and bronze?

To noromance: thanks for the London Reference suggestion.  My vinyl collection is used (but not abused) and I've read reviews suggesting the London Reference is a bit finicky with records that aren't exceptionally clean.

Great setup. Search Agon for Phanthom posts. I think a London Reference would be amazing. @halcro recommended a ZYX .24 but that might be out of budget.  

Ortofon Black will keep the sound sharp and open

I’d like to keep the cost below 3k new. 

Budget??

Top Lyra's, Ortofon, and Benz LPS working for me.