I don't dispute what anyone on these posts says...everyone hears differently and everyone has different components. I can only tell you what I hear. To these ears, there is no better cartridge that I have experience with, than the Atlas. I have had the SME V in my system, but although built like a tank, didn't have the alacrity I was looking for and replaced it with a VPI 3D. Perhaps (I don't know for sure), the difference was in the ability for the VPI to very accurately provide for correct azimuth. The difference in the presentation/performance of the cartridge having proper azimuth and being even a "smidge" off is enormous.. not just audible, but enormous... maybe the most important adjustment (for me). Another point is the (seemingly) never ending dispute regarding the use (or not) of antiskate. For these ears on My system, I hear an improvement with no antiskate...no matter which arm that I adjust. I am at present trying to evaluate the sound with/without a/s for a dispute on another site....but for the here and now, its no a/s for me. There is a very definite difference...its not in the increase of distortion on one side or another....my arm/cartridge tracks flawlessly with both methods....but its in presentation.....(still evaluating).
