Cartridge upgrade.

Posted by: Smithfire on 02 January 2018

Hi Peeps

Thinking about changing the MM Exact 2 cart in my Rega 2017 Planar 6.

The reasoning behind this is my ancient Pioneer Legato Link CD player is beating the TT hands down for openness, soundstage and dynamics.

I'm pretty sure the high output MC type carts like the Dynavector 10x5 are the way to go....taking advantage of the onboard 522 phono boards on my Nait 3. I've been advised that using low output carts is a no no with the Nait because of interference from the mains transformer.

Would like any feedback from people who are running a Nait 3 with an MC cart.

Many thanks

Clive

Posted on: 03 January 2018 by joerand

Smithfire posted:
Cheers Joerand
The sound has that "unpacked" quality. Thanks for the HOMC experiences...which MM did you go for in the end?
Clive

Clive, I'm a little late to the current discussion and it seems you've since got some worthy info to go on - Richard Dane's comments regarding Naim's built-in boards versus a Stageline seem especially relevant.

FWIW - I use a vintage Grace F9E cart with Soundsmith ruby stylus. Best MM cart I've heard for overall dynamics, speed, transient punch, soundstage, and imaging. Grace's F9 carts are from the 1980s, yet still among the most highly regarded MM carts ever produced. To my knowledge, Soundsmith is the only viable stylus replacement, also highly regarded, and they have four levels to choose from. Google and the usual audiophile vinyl sites are your friend if interested in any further pursuit of Grace carts. A vintage Grace F9E cart + new stylus is priced at or below a new Exact 2.

Posted on: 03 January 2018 by Smithfire

Oh that is just a world of intersting!

Cheers