Just for fun and out of curiousity Catherine and I did a comparison between 3 MM cartridges. All on my Sansui SR-636.
1. ADC Super XLM Mkii on an Audio Technica headshell
2. Clearaudio Virtuoso on an Audio Technica headshell - note that this cart has a non-standard stylus, an AT95 e (or maybe ex).
3. Audio Technica At95e on the stock Sansui headshell
Kept the volume and all settings the same, except for adjusting the tracking force.
The ADC is a very musical cart, but the bass was a bit fuzzy and the sound in general was a bit dark. Easy to listen to, but we rated it last. Lacks a bit of clarity.
The Virtuoso was much clearer, but on this set-up slightly light in the bass.
Best for us was the AT95e, which was quite a surprise. Good dynamics, good bass, just as much clarity and detail as the Virtuoso, but a slightly more balanced sound due to the better bass.
So not meant as a scientific or definitive test, but it was interesting and a bit of fun. I was surprised that the AT95e could stand up to the Virtuoso (even with a non-standard stylus) but there it is.
PS: No cables were harmed while conducting this test.
1. ADC Super XLM Mkii on an Audio Technica headshell
2. Clearaudio Virtuoso on an Audio Technica headshell - note that this cart has a non-standard stylus, an AT95 e (or maybe ex).
3. Audio Technica At95e on the stock Sansui headshell
Kept the volume and all settings the same, except for adjusting the tracking force.
The ADC is a very musical cart, but the bass was a bit fuzzy and the sound in general was a bit dark. Easy to listen to, but we rated it last. Lacks a bit of clarity.
The Virtuoso was much clearer, but on this set-up slightly light in the bass.
Best for us was the AT95e, which was quite a surprise. Good dynamics, good bass, just as much clarity and detail as the Virtuoso, but a slightly more balanced sound due to the better bass.
So not meant as a scientific or definitive test, but it was interesting and a bit of fun. I was surprised that the AT95e could stand up to the Virtuoso (even with a non-standard stylus) but there it is.
PS: No cables were harmed while conducting this test.
