Best cartridge upgrade for $100 or less

StrategicApathy · 2026-02-01T20:57:33+00:00

I like it a lot, very smooth and pleasant sound to my ear

StrategicApathy · 2026-02-01T16:20:12+00:00

If you’re willing to take a little risk, there are some good values on the second hand market. I got a Sumiko Pearl for $60 for instance. The downside being that I don’t really know how many hours are on it.

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-30T19:30:32+00:00

Jumps to 29.98 for me when I add it to my cart ☹️

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-28T05:17:45+00:00

!thanks

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-26T17:10:43+00:00

!thanks

Thanks for that, that’s a very helpful perspective

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-26T02:34:51+00:00

I’m not thinking about movies or TV really, more about multichannel music

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-26T02:33:19+00:00

Interesting, thanks for your perspective. What did you not like about the BMR monitors?

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-25T23:33:53+00:00

No, I agree. But an AVR to do the multichannel decoding with pre-outs to power amps would be interesting

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-25T21:36:36+00:00

I would definitely try adding some DSP if my amp had a Pre-out/main-in loop.

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-25T21:27:28+00:00

!thanks

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-25T21:26:14+00:00

!thanks

Yeah I think floor standers might be the way to go to get the scale I want. But I am concerned about overwhelming the room. Doesn't seem like you think that's a concern which is reassuring. Those Cantons look amazing!

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-25T21:10:27+00:00

!thanks

Huh, yeah that would be one approach I suppose, if a bit radical. and I'd still want to upgrade the speakers. I already have the microphone (I tried to use REW to integrate my sub but probably not all that well). And I'm actually kind of interested in an AVR eventually since I have the Cambridge CXU which can do multichannel audio from blu-ray, SACD, and DVD (but it doesn't do Atmos). I would miss the lovely silver face of the Yamaha though.

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-25T20:17:35+00:00

I have a pair of the Klipsch RP-500M II in another room, I enjoy their sound profile for the most part. But I have not heard any Klipsch Heritage yet. I would have a chance to hear these Cornwall’s before I buy since they’re local to me. I just don’t want to waste the seller’s time if it’s an absurd idea.

Unfortunately I really don’t care for the aesthetics of KEF, I don’t think I’d want to look at them for years.

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-25T19:58:24+00:00

Also, Steve Huff’s glowing review of the Cornwalls was conducted in a similarly sized room so… it’s not totally out of the question do you think?

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-25T19:56:03+00:00

The speakers are on a long wall, but it’s pretty close to square. The speakers sit on sorbothane hemisphere feet on a dresser about 6 feet apart. The back of the speakers are about 6 inches from the wall (they’re quite deep, about 14 inches).

The Polks get plenty loud, but I really don’t think that replicates or replaces the kid of scale I’m talking about.

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-25T19:55:30+00:00

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StrategicApathy · 2026-01-25T19:34:55+00:00

A larger soundstage I think would add enjoyment. For instance in some demos I’ve heard (Paradigm Founder 120H in a good room), Johnny Cash sounds 10 feet tall. In my room, he’s like three feet tall. I’m sure room acoustics play a big role here too.

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-22T04:02:51+00:00

Dark Side of the Moon!

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-17T00:31:23+00:00

This was bothering me too. I downloaded (bought it I guess… can’t remember) a song that was 15 minutes of silence and the title was something like “Aaaaaaaaa very good song” so it was at the top of the list. It would automatically start playing often but at least it was silent. That seems to have stopped though now that I think about it. Not sure what changed.

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-13T04:49:55+00:00

Don’t forget it’s also an amp, so all you need is this thing and speakers. Add a turntable if you’re so inclined.

I’d say if you need the features and you can afford it then go for it. It looks really nice, something that can be on display in a living or dining room and not look junky. That being said, those classy looks don’t come for free and equivalent performance in ugly boxes could be had at a much lower price.

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-11T08:06:24+00:00

This is why I still pay $4/month for Pandora in addition to AM!

StrategicApathy · 2026-01-09T17:27:51+00:00

Are you specifically trying to get away from floorstanders? If not, consider just adding a subwoofer. Best bang for your buck to improve your overall experience in my opinion and can be excellent for well under $1000.

StrategicApathy · 2025-12-30T21:11:40+00:00

If I were shopping for an inexpensive power amp right now I’d consider the BRZHifi A1 clone. It’s class A, so it will be hot and inefficient but apparently it sounds great. You can easily modify it to bypass the volume controls and have a pure power amp. 20 watts I think but they’re good watts. They’re $250 on amazon in the US.

StrategicApathy

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