Phono Cartridges - Your favorites and least favorites?

People LOVE them in the VPI group
I pulled the trigger on getting an older 10x5 that needs re-tipping. Will ship to VAS to put a line contact stylus on it.

I have not used a HOMC before and I've been curious about this one on the Traveler since I purchased the table. My Hana SL is getting long in the tooth, so this one will move ahead in the re-tipping line.
 
Dynavector 10x5 (with Soundsmith sapphire/contact line retip): I had a 10x5 years ago and didn't really enjoy the sound (was a little mellow for me) especially given the pricepoint. Earlier this year I bought a broken 10x5 for about $70 and had it retipped for $300 by Soundsmith, and its like night and day. Definitely my fav cart I've ever had and great value considering it was about half the price of a new 10x5.
@imajindat - Is the Dynavector 10x5 still your favorite cart? I'm also buying one to retip with a line contact stylus (aluminum cantilever, though).
 
Mounted the retipped SAE and am giving it a spin. First impression is good, and the character is even more different from than Zephyr MIMC than I remembered. The SAE is the more voluptuous cart, with a bass emphasis lacking on the comparatively neutral Soundsmith. I am listening to an LP that I haven't spent a ton of time with, though. Once this one's done I'll throw on something I've heard more recently so I have a better point of comparison.

Happy to have this thing back in the house. It's a fun, different alternative to the Soundsmith.
 
Anyone have any thoughts on any of the Zu carts? They're offering to send me a pair of cables or a cart and I'm trying to figure out what I should choose lol

rational brain says cart is the no brainer

but my chaotic curious brain says cables
 
Anyone have any thoughts on any of the Zu carts? They're offering to send me a pair of cables or a cart and I'm trying to figure out what I should choose lol

rational brain says cart is the no brainer

but my chaotic curious brain says cables
Your chaotic curious brain is the right one. You’re probably not ever gonna spend cash on cables again so why not take the leap here and see if you’re wrong. You’re probably more likely to try other carts in the future.
 
Anyone have any thoughts on any of the Zu carts? They're offering to send me a pair of cables or a cart and I'm trying to figure out what I should choose lol

rational brain says cart is the no brainer

but my chaotic curious brain says cables
I’d definitely go with the cart. I quite like mine. That is if your arm can take the weight properly.
 
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