Fantastic balanced sound, extreme durability
Been using At440ML and AT440MLa for 15+ years, Rega P3/RB300 arm. Less fussy setup than other carts I tried. They both survived massive abuse. They are virtually indestructible! I clean the stylus after each record, and there is no wear on either styli at all. They will both outlast me. Old, beat-up scratched-to-oblivion records can sound fresh and alive, full of detail, barely any surface noise when thoroughly cleaned. Cleaning your records (VPI, etc) is a MUST! The ML/MLa will pick up the slightest amount of dirt, even when surface looks pristine. Cleaning stylus after each record is a must. Tracks GREAT. On better arms (yard long wooden arm) it tracks EVERYTHING - even warps that touch the cart body(!) Upgrading your arm/system the cartridge will keep up. Yard long arm completely transformed everything - such detail, base level, air, imaging that surpassed my wildest dreams. Powel Biggs / organ recording you can hear the soft breeze in the cathedral when he's not playing - never heard that on any other setup. Hot A/B switching sources blind test CD/LP with Weather Report - Heavy Weather (using Micromega Stage 3 CDP / RB300 arm): LP was more dynamic, better base, more air, more body, better tone, same level of noise floor. To improve, if you can: cryogenically treat the body (without the stylus!) You'll get way more detail. If you treat stylus as well, sound will be rigid and sterile. Insanely great value for the price. Listening mostly classical and rock.
Janos
Honolulu HI