How are you suppose to audition cartridges?

Vinyl Asylum

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I guess the same question could possible be asked of TTs, but with cartridges, how is one suppose to be able to compare and listen to find the one right for them? I am not a fan of auditioning components, except maybe for speakers in audio dealer show rooms because inevidably they have something you are unfamiliar with in the system, or the room itself obscurs things. I've never asked, admittingly, but being in NYC and with Sound by Singer being one of the only dealers that carries a lot of carts, I doubt they will let you take a bunch home, try them out in my own system and see which I like.
Right now, I will be getting my Rega P3 soon (used) with incognito wiring, heavyweigt, and VTA adjuster and don't have a cart (sold with MMF-5). I am leaning towards the Denon 103d as it is in a comfortable price range (although I could spend up to $800 or even more if necessary), highly praised and a lot of mastering studios used it in their production which I kinda like the thought of. It seems like their are so many suggestions, and I don't even know of any dealer that carries all the ones I would like to try so I could keep the system constant.
Most of my vinyl is rock, BTW. I have read suggestions for Dynavector, Benz, Shure, etc... Anyone who has had an opportunity to compares some of these to the Denon or other highly regarded carts willing to describe the flavor of these carts?
If I do go with the Denon I won't be able to audition it for sure, as I need to get it from the manufacturer. My phono stage, Monolithic PS1 + HC1b, supports MC but is it still more ideal to use a step up transformer? I could easily get my hands on one for comparison, which I might. I guess I am still just a newbie to vinyl but am loving it so far and don't want to waste my time in the wrong direction.

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Topic - How are you suppose to audition cartridges? - JoshK 12:25:59 01/6/03 (9)

That's why I bought a Nottingham Analogue Interspace.. - Denzo 19:03:19 01/7/03 (1)

How much are the arm pods????.. - Tyoder 04:18:08 01/8/03 (0)

Why are you asking us??? - aaird 04:25:47 01/7/03 (1)

haha, atleast you can admit it! ;) (nt) - JoshK 08:33:29 01/7/03 (0)

Re: How are you suppose to audition cartridges? - Panelhead 17:37:37 01/6/03 (1)

Thanks George for the clarication! (nt) - JoshK 07:41:31 01/7/03 (0)

Re: How are you suppose to audition cartridges? - Goyescas 13:44:19 01/6/03 (1)

very insightful reply, thanks! (nt) - JoshK 14:33:16 01/6/03 (0)

I think you can still do this... - vinyl1 13:13:09 01/6/03 (0)

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