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Best Cartridge for $1000-$1350?

Hello... I have an RPM3 turntabe (Sumiko Blue Point No. 2) with a Tube DS preamp (Golden Lion tubes). Im considering upgrading the cartridge. What MC cartridge in the price range of $1000-$1350 works good with this type of turntable/tonearm and preamp? I listen to Classic Rock (40%), Pop (30%), Greek (20%), Jazz/Orchestra (10%). In order of importance: Sonics, Soundstage, Air, Musical, Detail, Frequency Response, I guess the holy grail. Hope you can help. Thanks.
deanshias
boxer12
1,703 posts
 
For the type of music you like, another consideration could be the Clearaudio concept MC. It's .4mv so your equipment looks like it could handle it. The sonics of this cartridge are very good for $1K. Great channel separation and layering. I've owned one for a little over a year & have a lot of hours on it. Still sounds great. I listen mostly to indie & alternative rock. 
deanshias OP
18 posts
 
..and its safe to assume that these type of cartridges would sound that much better than the Sumiko Blue Point No.2 that I use now?
boxer12
1,703 posts
 
I've never heard the SBP2 but did have the original back in the day & replaced it with a Grado Signature MZ8 & that was an improvement. I still use that cartridge with a XTZ stylus & it is also very nice. But since that is a MI (not a MC), I didn't mention it earlier. 
avanti1960
225 posts
 
ART 9 .  dial it in and it won't be bright or analytical- warm and smooth and extremely clean, biggest sound stage i have ever witnessed from a cartridge.  my ortofon cadenza blue barely beats it... 
simao's avatar
simao
656 posts
 
The Bluepoint is a fine sounding cartridge in of itself. Especially with the RPM3.

But +1 for the Shelter - simply incredible and .5mV
Also +1 for the Hana SH or SL. Stereophile raves about them in their newest issue. I have the SL on my Sumiko FT-3 tonearm/VPI HW-19 Mk 4 rig and it sounds beautiful. The SL is .5mV while the SH is 2mV.
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