Phono Cartridge Reviews

Analog Corner #289: Ortofon Anna Diamond MC phono cartridge

Michael Fremer Feb 01, 2021 First Published: Sep 01, 2019

As I was doing a final edit on this column, I received very sad news from Leif Johannsen, the chief officer of acoustics and technology for cartridge manufacturer Ortofon A/S: Kim Petersen, described by Johannsen as his "right hand and new cartridge design and listening partner" and the company's "top cartridge expert," passed away suddenly at age 52.

Analog Corner Phono Cartridge Reviews Phono Preamp Reviews

Analog Corner #306: Phasemation, DS Audio, Audio Research, Clarus

Michael Fremer Jan 19, 2021 First Published: Jan 19, 2021

I feel compelled to repeat here an eerie occurrence I related a while back on AnalogPlanet. I reviewed, in the February 1999 Analog Corner column, the Cartridge Man's Digital Stylus Force Gauge, which back then sold for $299.

I still have it, but a decade ago, the battery stopped taking a charge. I put it aside, planning to replace the battery someday.

Analog Corner Phono Cartridge Reviews Phono Preamp Reviews Turntable Reviews

Analog Corner #290: The Haniwa LP Playback System

Michael Fremer Jan 05, 2021 First Published: Oct 01, 2019

Haniwa's Dr. Tetsuo Kubo is an interesting fellow. If you go to shows, domestic or overseas, you've possibly encountered him in his room a space known for being strewn, shrine-like, with LPs that once belonged to The Absolute Sound's founder, the late Harry Pearson: Dr. Kubo was a fan.

Gramophone Dreams Phono Cartridge Reviews

Gramophone Dreams #44: Audio-Technica, Goldring, LP Gear phono cartridges

Herb Reichert Dec 28, 2020 First Published: Dec 28, 2020

Someone once asked me, "If I buy your $90,000, 25W amplifier, what will I get that I am not getting with my $2000, 200W amplifier?" My answer was simple: "Goosebumps, tears, and smirking." Great, well-tuned audio systems, at all price levels, give their owners less of the annoying and distracting stuff and more of the exciting and engaging stuff. Great systems offer more opportunities for smirking pridefully while listening to great recordings.

Analog Corner Phono Accessory Reviews Phono Cartridge Reviews

Analog Corner # 305: Degritter record cleaner & Aidas Gala Gold LE cartridge

Michael Fremer Dec 21, 2020 First Published: Dec 21, 2020

Cavitation revolutionized record cleaning more than a decade ago, when Reiner Gläss's Audiodesksysteme introduced its original fully automatic machine. Mr. Gläss's innovative machine, which automatically spun the record in ultrasonically cavitated water, then dried it with fans, at first was plagued with reliability issues, and because it is sealed, it was not easy to repair.

Historical J. Gordon Holt Phono Cartridge Reviews

Grado Model A phono cartridge

J. Gordon Holt Nov 13, 2020 First Published: May 01, 1966

One of the best pickups we've heard to date, the Grado A was introduced with some fanfare in the fall of 1964 (footnote 1) and then, for no apparent reason, was withdrawn just one year later. It is probably still available, though, either used or, discounted, as new stock at some dealers.

Analog Corner Phono Cartridge Reviews Phono Preamp Reviews Turntable Reviews

Analog Corner #292: AVM R 2.3 turntable, Miyajima Destiny phono cartridge, Sutherland Phono Loco phono preamplifier

Michael Fremer Nov 09, 2020 First Published: Dec 01, 2019

AVM Audio, which has been in business since 1986 (footnote 1), chose last year to enter the turntable market with two models that reflect the company's brushed-aluminum/blue LED visual aesthetics.

It doesn't take a forensic turntable scientist to figure out who manufactures both of those turntable models. Clearly, Pro-Ject does (footnote 2)although some audiophiles might recognize only a few key parts. Other elements, especially the two different tonearm models, may appear unique to AVM, having been built to their specs.

Analog Corner Phono Cartridge Reviews

Analog Corner #296: Grado Epoch3, Lyra Atlas Lambda SL, Ortofon MC A Mono phono cartridges

Michael Fremer Sep 07, 2020 First Published: Apr 01, 2020

We're 30 years into a cartridge design revolution, particularly at the top end of the market, where manufacturers charge upward of $10,000 for their best efforts: prices that well-off consumers have amply proved they are willing to pay. There doesn't seem to be an innovation end in sight.

Analog Corner Phono Accessory Reviews Phono Cartridge Reviews

Analog Corner #301: WallyTractor, StylusTimer, Fuuga, Tzar DST

Michael Fremer Aug 19, 2020 First Published: Aug 19, 2020

How goes your quarantining? Honestly, my life hasn't changed much here. I'm locked in the basement as usual, happy to have a good audio system and overwhelmed by my musical choices. Other than minimizing shopping expeditions and wearing a mask, the biggest change in my life is a spike in requests from readers for upgrade advice. I've never been so busy answering reader emails.

Analog Corner Phono Accessory Reviews Phono Cartridge Reviews

Analog Corner #299: Haniwa HCVC01, CAD Ground Control, DS Audio Vinyl Ionizer-001

Michael Fremer Aug 04, 2020 First Published: Jul 01, 2020

Lately, current amplificationbased moving-coil phono preamplifiers have gotten a great deal of well-deserved press. For years, Haniwa's Dr. Kubo has been designing and selling superlow-internal-impedance cartridges because such cartridges work best with such devices. He has also been designing and selling his own current-amplification phono preamplifier.