I started out with older MM and had the worst luck with them either the cantilever becomes to brittle which has broke on me. I had one NOS that the one magnet depolarized, and oxidized wireing. I am Never buying old ones again. Also I have listened to Audio Technica and not a huge fan of theres to be honest.
Looking at upgrading to a new MC cartridge any thoughts?
Hi everyone I had recently just bought a new Rega RP8 turntable and bought a Dynavector 20X2L as my first moving coil cartridge to see what all the hype is on MC. I was thinking of getting a second cartridge and use this one as a back up. I was looking at the dynavector XX2 MKII. over the 17D3 Because Im worried bout the diamond cantilever and getting dust very easily on it. But for the same money I could get the Rega Apheta2. So I must ask is the dynavector xx2 better preforming cartridge over the Aphata 2? Whats your guys thoughts on this?
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@jakecanada i think the whole universe of beautiful vintage MM cartridges is missing if you only tried those two modern ortofons. I'm going to the oppisite direction from very expensive modern MCs to less expensive vintage MMs. Those cartridges like Audio-Technca AT-ML170 OCC and AT-ML180 OCC or OFC might be rare and hard to find, but they are much better than the most expensive MCs up to $4500 i have tried in my system. In my opinion it's better to try 10 rare vintage MM cartridges, than one super expensive MC you may not like afterall. Even extremely rare vintage MMs from the 80s are cheaper than new MC in this crazy world. So i don't understand the hype about MCs. |
Save your money. Get an Audio Technica ART-9 ... and then forget about cartridges. http://www.lptunes.com/Audio-technica-AT-ART9-MC-phono-cartridge-p/atart09.htm Frank |
Jakecanada - I’ve owned a lower pried Rega cart and it was very disappointing. Rega should stick to what they are good at. For just under $2k you could get a Van den Hul MC 10 Special And for $3k there is the Van den Hul Frog I’ve heard the Frog and it is very good, but the MC 10 should be right up there Also take a look at the Soundsmith carts - they have quite a versatile line-up http://www.needledoctor.com/Brand-Stores/Soundsmith I have a Soundsmith modified Denon DL 103 and it is extremely good for around $650 - then you can get a wood headshell - just one of many mods for this cartridge. FYI - the advanced stylus profiles that soundsmith employ, like their Optimized Countour Contact Line requires extremely precise setup. I used a friends Mint Best tractor. http://mintlp.com/best.htm Finicky, YES - but so worth going the extra mile Question - what part of Canada - I’m in Collingwood, Ontario Regards - Steve |