I've recently upgraded from a Rega Planar 2 / Carbon to a Planar 3 / Elys 2 and whilst the sound is bigger and more authoritative, somehow in the higher octaves I'm finding it lacking a certain something. Higher frequency percussion and female vocals feel subdued and a distant and I don't feel drawn into the music in quite the same way which is a real shame.
To prove I wasn't losing the plot I popped a Carbon (which I believe is a tweaked Audio Technica AT-91) onto the Planar 3 and whilst the Elys 2 is obviously the better cartridge, the Carbon had a real sparkle and lustre in the high frequencies (really noticeable with the likes of Amy Winehouse) that feels missing from the Elys 2.
What I'd really like is a cartridge that delivers the low and midrange authority and punch of the Elys 2 and its composure, but with the openness at the top end of the Carbon ideally at a similar price to the Elys 2 which I'll sell on.
Any recommendations would be gratefully received!
I've recently upgraded from a Rega Planar 2 / Carbon to a Planar 3 / Elys 2 and whilst the sound is bigger and more authoritative, somehow in the higher octaves I'm finding it lacking a certain something. Higher frequency percussion and female vocals feel subdued and a distant and I don't feel drawn into the music in quite the same way which is a real shame.
To prove I wasn't losing the plot I popped a Carbon (which I believe is a tweaked Audio Technica AT-91) onto the Planar 3 and whilst the Elys 2 is obviously the better cartridge, the Carbon had a real sparkle and lustre in the high frequencies (really noticeable with the likes of Amy Winehouse) that feels missing from the Elys 2.
What I'd really like is a cartridge that delivers the low and midrange authority and punch of the Elys 2 and its composure, but with the openness at the top end of the Carbon ideally at a similar price to the Elys 2 which I'll sell on.
Any recommendations would be gratefully received!