Ed Saunders Red Elliptical cartridge

Ok, last month I ordered a Red Elliptical cartridge from Ed Saunders. The first cartridge I received was defective - the left channel was out. I contacted Ed and he shipped out a replacement cartridge, which I just received today.

I had a chance to mount the cartridge and try it out this afternoon. One thing I can say is that, this cartridge is a bargain for the price! Here's a couple pictures:

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The cartridge is brand new, but so far, I'm impressed. The sound stage and stereo separation is deep and wide. Bass is deep, detailed, punchy, finely textured and tuneful. Midrange is clean and very musical. The highs are sweet with good detail and airyness. Of course, you have to keep everything in perspective. It's not going to beat more expensive moving coil cartridge like a Denon, but for $30, I would say it competes with moving magnet cartridges 2 to 3 times it's cost.

I'll try to post some samples later tonight. 

I recorded a few samples tonight of the Elliptical Red and the Ortofon Omega. I thought it may be interesting to have a bit of fun and turn this into a challenge.

I recorded three songs with both cartridges using my well-worn Technics SL-235 belt drive turntable, Musical Fidelity X-LP phono preamp, Aural Thrills gold interconnect, going into my Presonus Inspire recording interface. Both cartridges were set to 1.75g of tracking force.

Let's see if anyone can guess which sample is the Ortofon Omega ($31), and which one is the Ed Saunders Red Elliptical ($30). 

SONG 1: Fleetwood Mac - Never Going Back Again
SAMPLE A:
SAMPLE B:

SONG 2: Dave Brubeck - Everybody's Jumpin'
SAMPLE A:
SAMPLE B:

SONG 3: Pete York - Super Drumming
SAMPLE A:
SAMPLE B:

I setup my Technics SL-235 turntable on repeat, playing a cheap thrift store record. I'll let it run a few hours so it can break in some more.

Each sample A has little more bass, while sample B is a bit more airy. Hhmmm...A = Ortofon and B = Ed Saunders?

Anyone else want to take a guess before I reveal the answer?   

Each sample A has little more bass, while sample B is a bit more airy. Hhmmm...A = Ortofon and B = Ed Saunders?

Results:

A = Ortofon Omega
B = Ed Saunders Red Elliptical

Only one guess (thanks Ishin80!) - but he was right! 

Both cartridges offer very good performance for the price. IMHO, the Ed Saunders Red comes out ahead with a bit more air on the highs and slightly tighter, 'tuneful' bass. Also, the Ed Saunders Red has slightly finer detail in the midrange and highs.