Which is the best cartridge for Naim system and rock music?

Which is the best cartridge for Naim system and rock music?

It will depend on the TT quality and tone arm type you have , also what compatible phono stage you have / will be getting .

Then listen to a number of options and buy what YOU hear as the best for your type of music (just my 2 pennies worth)

2 Likes

All of @soccermad post is relevant and true but if you are trying to find a starting point, Dynavectors rock pretty well, imo.

2 Likes

Your question is impossible to answer with accuracy or credibility. I could tell you what I have or may wish to audition/buy next but neither may be of any value as you may not like what I like.

Please state your current system, including your TT, phono stage, amp, and speakers. A budget would be nice to know along with a why you want to know are you looking for a new cartridge for a particular reason e.g. your present one is too bright or dull or does not engage you when listening to music?

Even with that knowledge, I cannot give a definitive answer. I do not know your preferences for music or tone. In any case the final choice is yours listen to a shortlist of recommendations if you wish but trust your own ears as to what sounds best, most suits your budget.

2 Likes

TT, arm and then your budget is essential for us. You also need to think about the synergy with your phono stage. But as a general rule at various price levels and across MM and MC designs Dynavector or Audio Technica are largely risk free.

2 Likes

Like the others have said, it’s difficult to answer this without knowing which TT you currently have or are looking at. I don’t own a working TT at the moment but I’m curious to hear what others recommend regardless. I’ve found if you list your system details in your profile it’s useful for others. Less questions about “what’s your current system(amp, speakers etc)”

1 Like

The problem is that I wouldn’t know how to test the cartridges, and that’s why I was asking for advice.

Linn Troika

3 Likes

My system is currently composed of Linn Sondek Lp12 vahalalla pre cirkus tonearm Ittok IV, cartridge Grado Prestige Gold 3, pre phono Trichord Dino MK3 with PSU, Naim Nac 72 Hicap, Naim Nap 250 Chrome bumper and Tannoy Kensington SE

1 Like

Budget 600 euro

Upgrade to a low output Timbre series woody, even the affordable Platinum3 in some regards will perform at a level beyond the reach of MC technology, there’s a reason why Grado trashed MC right after inventing it.

1 Like

I need a cartridge that gives its best with rock because for classical and jazz I have another system

1 Like

Then Grado Sonata3 Low Output is your recipe. MCs lack bass weight and drive.

2 Likes

On this subject, it often really comes down to taste. There is no quick indicator for this one, and the best you can do is use your own ears.

They spoke very well of Hana sl

1 Like

Great thanks for supplying more info.

Your budget can buy some nice MM cartridges for your budget. You could listen to a Sumiko Moonstone or Nagoaka MP200 or similar. Goldring 1042 is worth a look too.

The Trichord is a very good phono stage and can be used for MC as well as MM cartridges so it is worth adding some of them to your shortlist such as a Hana EL (low output) or Hana EH(high output) or something from the Audio Technica range such as a AT-OC9XML or AT33PTG/II. Dynavector is popular with many too.

3 Likes

You will have to up your budget for one of those but if you can then an Hana SL mk2 is worth auditioning.

2 Likes

You told me about Hana EL and EH but not about Hana SL, maybe it doesn’t suit rock music?

I only did not mention it because you said you had a budget of 600 euro and a SL mk2 is more than that. It will be fine for rock music.

1 Like

Ok thank you