Phono Cartridges - Your favorites and least favorites?

Probably should be in the Technics thread but RULES ARE FOR SUCKERS!

Anyone here with a 1200 of some sort using the KAB fluid damper? The folks at SHF swear by them but also....I'm skeptical. Looking for a second opinion, anhone have one? Worth it?
I agree with @Angsty, it may depend on the cartridge. That said, it worked great on my Gardo's, Hana and Ortofon's and at that point it just stayed on the TT at all times. I think it's an affordable add on to roll the dice on, just my opinion of course ;)
 
So for a hana el does having a phonoamp that supports 0.4mV handle a 0.5mV cart, is it just going to be louder than line or might there be a problem and I'd have to go with the less praised eh model

And I'm unsure about the sl because that is 0.4 and considered better but it's much more expensive and I'd care much more about warps that wouldn't normally bug me as much
 
So for a hana el does having a phonoamp that supports 0.4mV handle a 0.5mV cart, is it just going to be louder than line or might there be a problem and I'd have to go with the less praised eh model

And I'm unsure about the sl because that is 0.4 and considered better but it's much more expensive and I'd care much more about warps that wouldn't normally bug me as much
it’s just going to be a little louder in line.
 
The Google algo sent this review to me.
Pretty decent write-up but they fail to understand cart design and stereo cutting heads used after '65.
I added a comment at the bottom for some technical clarity.

TLDR they really like the sound of the AT.

 
Not personally. I feel like it's a bit of a classic cart but I've got no real sense of it past that.
 
At a price point of $475, I would suggest that the Hana EH is a better bet than the Sumiko Blue Point #3 at $499. The Hana EH has been out and well-regarded for longer than the newer #3.
Issue with the Hana’s is I need to figure out spacers or mats and I don’t feel like going down that rabbit hole anytime soon
 
Guys...I'm thinking of doing a thing, specifically upgrading to a Hana. A local store has them on sale and I'm trying to decide if I go SL or ML. Things in Australia tend to be more expensive and shitty exchange rates mean little point importing so this sale is a boon.

The SL is normally $1195 here ($778 usd) and is down to $837 ($545 usd)
The ML is normally $1995 here ($1300 usd) and is down to $1397 ($910 usd)

Everyone seems to speak highly of both but I'm not 100% sure if there is $560 aud in more listening joy, when comparing the two.

Happy for any suggestions...Where my Hana owners at?
 
Guys...I'm thinking of doing a thing, specifically upgrading to a Hana. A local store has them on sale and I'm trying to decide if I go SL or ML. Things in Australia tend to be more expensive and shitty exchange rates mean little point importing so this sale is a boon.

The SL is normally $1195 here ($778 usd) and is down to $837 ($545 usd)
The ML is normally $1995 here ($1300 usd) and is down to $1397 ($910 usd)

Everyone seems to speak highly of both but I'm not 100% sure if there is $560 aud in more listening joy, when comparing the two.

Happy for any suggestions...Where my Hana owners at?
Are you looking at a Mk1 or Mk2 SL? I had a Mk1 on my Rega P8 and really enjoyed it (more than the Aphetta 3 I have now). The cart is really, really light though, 5 or 6 grams, so check if can support such a lightweight one on your tonearm. The Mk2 is heavier, and taller, much closer to the ML. So if you have a Rega or something else without adjustable VTA that may be a factor. The ML gets great reviews, but I haven’t heard it personally.
 
Are you looking at a Mk1 or Mk2 SL? I had a Mk1 on my Rega P8 and really enjoyed it (more than the Aphetta 3 I have now). The cart is really, really light though, 5 or 6 grams, so check if can support such a lightweight one on your tonearm. The Mk2 is heavier, and taller, much closer to the ML. So if you have a Rega or something else without adjustable VTA that may be a factor. The ML gets great reviews, but I haven’t heard it personally.

The Mk2 is not an option from the seller unfortunately. It would have been a happy medium between the both.

Ive got an Ultradeck and still rocking my original ultratracker. It still has some life left in it but definitely time to upgrade.
 
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