hugo@griggs.dartmouth.edu (Peter Su) (01/25/90)
Hi, I am half way in the market for a phono cartridge that is not priced into the stratosphere. I am only half way, because the only reason I am looking is that the local Signet got a great deal on the MR 5.0 LC line contact moving magnet widgets, and will sell me one for $100 with trade in. I listened to it a bit in the store, and it sounded kind of hashy and bright on top, but maybe he was just playing "Industrial Disease" too loudly. I am interested in people's opinion of Signet in general and this cartridge in particular. I am also interested in info on other cartridges in the $100-$200 range. Items I've heard of, but not heard include the Shure V-15 type V-MR (or something, you know...), Grado, Sumiko Blue Point, Audioquest Ruby, Bullet, Rega Bias (?), something from Linn, and probably lots others. The turntable is an Ariston RD60 (like the new Icon, but manual, with no separate power supply, and a bigger platter). It has a medium mass straight tonearm, like the Audioquest PT-5 we hear about all the time. The 'table plays into an Onkyo receiver, which is remarkably good (as far as I can tell). I asked the dealer back home about it, and he claimed that the tweaky british integrated (NAD, Creek, Ariston, etc) probably aren't much better. What does the net think? Especially about the Ariston. I'm interested in finding a better phono stage, as the Onkyo is a bit noisy and I don't think it handles the highs very well. Lastly, have any of you dealt with the Audio Advisor? They seem nice enough, but mail order gives me the willies. Thanks a lot for listening, Pete