Phono Cartridge Reviews

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Linn Arkiv B phono cartridge

Paul Messenger Jan 04, 2004 First Published: Mar 01, 2000 0 comments

Ten years ago, I'd probably have got pretty good odds from industry insiders on a bet that Stereophile would still be reviewing phono cartridges into the new millennium. Linn's Arkiv B may not be a brand-new design—I heard my first sample in mid-1997—but phono-cartridge technology is about as stable as anything in hi-fi today. This Stereophile review is long overdue.

Phono Cartridge Reviews

Audio-Technica AT-ML 150/OCC phono cartridge

Michael Fremer Jun 03, 2020 First Published: Jul 01, 1999 0 comments

How can two meticulously built, high-technology, high-performance, premium-quality moving-magnet cartridges that measure so well (according to their manufacturer-supplied specs) sound so different?

Phono Cartridge Reviews

van den Hul Black Beauty MC phono cartridge

Jonathan Scull Apr 29, 2007 First Published: May 29, 1999 0 comments

A.J. van den Hul calls the Black Beauty a phono cartridge "just for friends." In a way, this Black Beauty was made specially for me—it's been tweaked for an undamped linear-tracking arm. Says so right here on the box: "Forsell Version." But before you explode, know that Mr. van den Hul will be pleased to do the same for you. He'll adjust the suspension of any Black Beauty– or Grasshopper-series cartridge for your arm and 'table. Or, should you specify, for "the preamp and load impedance, a particular brand of records to be played, the type of music generally played (jazz being more dynamic and classical more spacious and detailed), and other personal/sound preferences."

Phono Cartridge Reviews

Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum moving-coil cartridge

Jonathan Scull Mar 03, 2007 First Published: Nov 03, 1998 0 comments

Among the more intriguing audio-related announcements this year was that Koetsu phono cartridges were once again available in the States. In fact, they're being handmade in limited quantities by the sons of founder Yoshiaki Sugano.

Phono Cartridge Reviews

Lyra Parnassus D.C.t phono cartridge

Michael Fremer Jun 11, 2006 First Published: Oct 11, 1998 0 comments

What makes a phono cartridge worth $3500 or $4000? Pride of ownership? Snob appeal? Sound? Tracking ability? Exotic materials? Styling? Labor cost for skilled artisans? Special ether? Cool wooden box? All of the above?

Phono Cartridge Reviews

Koetsu Urushi MC phono cartridge

Michael Fremer May 07, 2006 First Published: Oct 07, 1998 0 comments

Phono Cartridge Reviews

Lyra Clavis Da Capo moving-coil phono cartridge

Michael Fremer Sep 02, 2007 First Published: Apr 02, 1996 0 comments

Scan-Tech builds low-output moving-coil cartridges for a number of companies, including AudioQuest, Linn, and Spectral (footnote 1). It also markets its own line, under the Lyra brand name (Lydian, Clavis, Parnassus), which is imported and distributed by Immedia out of Berkeley, CA.

Phono Cartridge Reviews

AudioQuest 7000 Fe5 MC phono cartridge

Michael Fremer Dec 02, 2007 First Published: Apr 02, 1996 0 comments

You know what's the first thing they teach you in dental school? Don't ever say "Oops!" Even if you stick one of those hooked teeth scrapers through the patient's cheek, you don't say "Oops!" "Don't move!"? Yes. "Oops!"? No. That's the big day-one lesson—and given the cost of medical malpractice insurance today, a damn good one.

Phono Cartridge Reviews

van den Hul Grasshopper IV phono cartridge

Jonathan Scull Aug 05, 2007 First Published: Jul 05, 1995 0 comments

If you think I burned out cartridge-wise at the end of my and JE's It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World cartridge survey at the beginning of the year (Vol.18 Nos.1 & 2), you're wrong. If you think I ought to burn out and give it a rest, you'll be disappointed. If you think analog doesn't matter anymore, you have my semi-sincere condolences. But if you think, as I do, that analog is enjoying a resurgence of epic proportions (twilight or no), and that LP playback has reached a new zenith of musical wonder, then hang on—here I go again!

Phono Cartridge Reviews

London (Decca) Jubilee/Reference phono cartridge

Martin Colloms, Michael Fremer Jun 20, 2012 First Published: Jun 01, 1995 0 comments

London phono cartridges still carry the famous Decca name (even if only in parentheses), but they are now produced by John Wright, a precision engineer and ex-Decca employee. Wright (not to be confused with his IMF and more recent TDL loudspeaker-designer namesake) was assigned the rights in 1989 by Decca's Special Products division (footnote 1), when the company's new owner, Racal, decided that they didn't want to be involved in the manufacture of audio equipment. Wright worked for 20 years in Decca's phono-cartridge division, where he gained a wealth of experience. As well as manufacturing the current range of London cartridges, he is also responsible for servicing and overhauling older Decca models.