Cartridge reco's for Technics owners typically fall into the Denon MC camp for compliance matching, and classic sonics. However, the Ortofon Concorde integrated shell/cartridge presents some interesting potential usability/setup benefits. Anyone have any experience with KAB's custom hi-fi version:

Thoughts on the general subject? Thoughts on which stylus is best (STY20/30/40)?

no experience with these. There are just so many really good carts out there.

I went the Denon DL160 route at first with the LP Zupreme headshell.

Later, I put in an SME 309 arm, and moved up to the ZYX airy 3 cart.

If you stick with the Techie arm, I would invest in a cardas rewire of the internal arm wire, and replace the external wiring as well.

I have owned a KAB/Ortofon ProS30 for a few years now. it is an absolute joy not having to worry about cartridge alignment, but sonically the ProS30 is easily bested by the AT440MLa, which costs almost a third less. and the DL-103 beats both of them.

I have used the ProS30 with many different phono stages, and all types of music, across many different stages of my audio career. while it is an acceptable cartridge, it is not a wholly satisfying one.

to describe the tonality: good punchy bass, brightish but clean highs, and a sterile (not sucked out) midrange.

if the cartridge cost $100 I would recommend it all over town. but IIRC it's almost $300 now.

I've never heard the 40.

Thanks for the info & suggestions guys - just what I was looking for.

Edited April 20, 201115 yr by jpelg