Analog Gurus - What cartridge after Grado Ref 1???

Ravi, if you pull my old OPs, you will see I went through cartridge Hell to find something that worked with my TT/arm combo. During my carty travels, I tried a number of cartridges that were within your price range and that have been well received by reviewers and members alike.

I suggest you put the following carties on your short list for consideration: (1) Clear Audio Maestro Wood (new retail $1250); (2) Clear Audio Virtuoso Wood (new retail $950); and (3) Ortofon 2M Black (new retail $650?). You can also pick these carties up used for much less.

I listened to all of the carties above and found them very good to superb. The top performers, IMO, being the Virtuoso and Maestro. The 2M Black was very good too -- and one reviewer (can't recall who) said it was "rediculously good."

I ultimately wound up with the Sound Smith VPI Zephyr -- also very very good, mainly because of TT/arm compatibility problems with my other suggested carties. The Zephyr also belongs on your short list. However, but for compatibility problems, the Maestro is at the top of my personal list.

One last suggestion. I also own a Dynavector (DV) 20X2 HO MC cartridge as a back-up. It's really a very nice cartridge. I have read terrific reviews about other DV carties as well. Give some thought to DV carties too.

Let us know what you choose.

A post-script to my last post. I'm sure there are many folks who justifiably maintain very positive opinions about Grado carties. Having said that, it has been my personal experience and that of others as well that many Grados carties have hum problems. Don't know what your experience has been, but I'll put that out there for you to think about and other to chime in on.

That hum problem might just be with older Rega's. Since I changed the motor in my Rega I haven't noticed any hum.

Grado is the poor man's Koetsu, it's best for jazz and female vocals; not as good for Rock.