New Cartridge - Any Views?

My Lyra Argo has developed a fault and as such I am in need of a new cartridge. Being just over two years old my only compensation from Lyra is a 25% trade-in allowance against any of their cartridges - a good offer but since the need for an upgrade is the result of a fault I do not feel particularly warm towards them as things stand!

I have am SME V on a substantially upgraded Roksan TMS1. The phono stage is a Lenhman Silver Cube feeding a Sugden Masterclass Pre and Monos. My speakers are Audio Physic Virago III's.

What are my options?

Well with the trade-in an Argo i would cost £600 whilst the Helikon would be £1145 less the 25% trade-in. However, I actually preferred the original Argo to the Helikon. I enjoyed listening to a Transfiguration Spirit (MK2?) but opted for the Argo again. So the Argo seems to be the default choice so far

However, the prices of the high end Ortofon's seem to be falling with a Romhan and the Jubilee spoted for £835 and £1100. Any better offers out there

Finally, I have been made aware of some bargain brand new Van de Hul cartidges which include the MC1S at £599 (£900 RRP) the Frog at £975 (£1500 RRP) and the MC10 for £500 (£?RRP).

What are your views? Any obvious choices in the above list. Am I missing any particular bargain available out there?

Your advice would be appreciated.

 

The Frog is very good in an SME V. I would also look at Benz (Glider, Wood).

 

i would also say the frog, .nando

 

Why the Frog?

Musical ability? Price?

 

It is just a very nice cartridge in a suitable arm (it doesn't do well in a Rega). It has a very detailed, lively and transparent sound with very good musicality and nice clean highs with great tracking. It is best suited to classical or gentler styles, but it does do rock well, just not as 'PRaT'y, punchy or dynamic as some others.

At that price, it is a very good option. Also, vd Hul can retip this cartridge if it is near the end of its life, so you will buy this for a lifetime if you need to.

 

So if I do not listen to clasical on Vinyl

 

Neither did I when I had it... Still was very enjoyable on other music styles as well... I switched to a Benz, much better in a Rega (TecnoArm) and more punchy/pratty for rock.

What is your preferred music style?

It's a shame trying out cartridges is so difficult...

 

I'd consider a Shelter 901 or a Zyx.

 

VdH himself is getting on a bit now (late sixties I think).

He has no protogé to inherit his legacy either, according to the Hi-Fi+ article of a few months ago.

Worth bearing in mind if you decide to buy one of his carts....

DT

 

What did you like about the Argo in the first place?
Was there any aspect of it's performance that you didn't like?

I ask as the Argo has quite a strong character so your thoughts would help with any recommendation.

 

After speaking to him at the Heathrow show i must say he has plenty of life left in him. A friend with me at the time has a white beauty (grasshopper) which he purchased second hand (ex demo 50hours etc). Van den hull said he should post it too him and he would give it a free service and also put a longer cantilever on as he is having problems with it on his arro. He is also changing the rubber to type 3 (whatever that means) as it is type 1 at the moment which won't be so good for his music tastes.

Anyway, long story short. He has plenty of life in him yet, he is very helpful and is willing to talk and sort out any problems you have with his equipment. I think by the time he does sadly pass (hopefully 20years time) you will have had your money worth from the cartridge and dependant on usage you will only need a new tip after what 3-7years? if so i am sure he will still be here to do it for you.

 

totally agree, i also know mr V.D.H. and i was one if not the first many years ago to sell his grasshopper, super it was , having said that with out being a snob i also lived and loved A.T.0C9 M.L. AND ortofon kounterplunk "B", i use an avid acutus with sme 1v, originally my sonata with hr 100mcs amongst others,.nando

 

Thank you all for your thoughts. The Frog does appeal.

In response to Rob my initial appreciation of the Argo was based on it's more natural presentation (warmer?) than the Helikon or the Transfiguration Spirit II. I felt that it had 95% of the detail of the Helikon with a more involving sound.

I wonder whether anyone has experience of both the Lyra and the VdH stable?

As for my taste - in Vinyl it's across the board apart from classical which I have on CD only

All advice appreciated - I need a new cartridge and I need it FAST!!

 

What an Arm!! :JPS:

 

Despite recent price drops, the Ortofon range still seems substantially cheaper in mainland Europe. Factor in the low freight cost of a tiny parcel and the lack of import duties from EEC countries, and the reason NOT to buy from a cheaper European source seems hard to find.

Here's a reccomended (by many on here) shop in Germany for Ortofons.


http://www.phonophono.de/YOrtofon_MC1.php3?Kennung=

 

My Rohmann was £500 shipped from Germany, about 2 years ago now.

-- Ian

 

Sounds like a top bloke, but his age is something worth bearing in mind if you plan to make a large investment in one of his creations. I know I would.

 

With current exchange rates it would be £650

 

Ortofon have plugged a few holes in their distribution. Some of the more outrageous bargains are no longer on the market.

 

I got mine from an ebay seller, but, as Markus says, this is harder now.

In any case £650 is a good price, it's an excellent cartridge.

-- Ian