
Sumiko Blackbird
$1249 (high or low output)
This high-output moving coil is smooth yet detailed, with a wide soundstage and fine low-end authority. Massed strings lack the upper-midrange glare one hears with some moving coils; midrange instruments are particularly seductive; images are stable; and transparency, transient quickness, and inner detail are all good.
Clearaudio Maestro Ebony V2
$1500
The successor to the Maestro Wood, the Maestro V2 Ebony is an improvement in every way. With a higher 4.2mV output and an ultra-low-mass Micro HD stylus on a solid boron cantilever, the Ebony brings symphonic recordings to life, unifying each orchestral section into the greater whole. Low-level detail is speedily resolved. As musical as they come, NG thought the Maestro V2 Ebony should be required listening for moving-magnet and moving-coil fans alike. Co-winner of TAS’ 2013 Phono Cartridge of the Year Award.
Lyra Delos
$1995
The Delos optimizes performance by properly orientating the magnetic circuits, signal coils, and core. With the cartridge at rest, asymmetrical dampers place the signal coils and core into a more upright angle vis-à-vis the magnetic circuit. With tracking force applied, the force of the stylus pushing on the LP causes the asymmetrical dampers to become symmetrical. An exceptionally quiet background is the most immediately striking aspect of this design. It is also very well balanced and notably coherent, natural, rich, and fast.