Vinyl Asylum

RE: What phono cartridges are you using

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Sondek

A

In Reply to: RE: What phono cartridges are you using posted by John Elison on June 02, 2025 at 14:27:05

Before plinking down that kind of money, you really should consider the DS Audio 003 system.

I could blather on about its virtues and superiority to MC's, but I could never put it as plainly and simply as Tom Martin does in his review (link below).

Everything he says about is bang-on the money. Optical truly is a game changer.
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/review-the-ds-audi (Open in New Window)

Follow Ups:

RE: What phono cartridges are you using - John Elison 16:20:01 06/04/25 (1)
I watched the Absolute Sound video on YouTube, and I'm impressed with the review of the DS Audio 003 cartridge. Perhaps I will buy it instead of the Audio Technica AT-ART1000x, although I don't see a price difference at all.

This is because I already own an exceptional Pass Labs phono stage that will work just fine with the AT-ART1000x cartridge. The DS Audio 003 cartridge requires a special phono stage that brings the total cost to the same $6,000 price of the AT-ART1000x. Therefore, there's no difference in price at all.

On the other hand, it might be interesting to have a totally different type of phono cartridge, so I might just buy the DS Audio 003 optical cartridge system instead of another moving coil.

Thanks!
John Elison
- RE: What phono cartridges are you using - Sondek 18:12:57 06/04/25 (0)
  The phono section of my CAT SL1 is useless to me, but I don't mind.
  It's really that much better.
  BTW, there may be some discounts at sale time. That was my experience anyway.
  
  Edits: 06/04/25

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