You realize that a stylus replacement may end up costing you as much or more than a retip?
MM Cartridge
I have a new VPI Prime Scout table with the JMW 9 tonearm
I'm using. Sumiko Pearl cartridge and sounds amazing.
I want to upgrade to the best MM. My preamp has a 3.1 mv, so I would like your opinion.
Audio Technica VM760SLC or Ortofon 2M Black, or other high output cartridge. I do not want a MC, want user replaceable stylus?
I'm using. Sumiko Pearl cartridge and sounds amazing.
I want to upgrade to the best MM. My preamp has a 3.1 mv, so I would like your opinion.
Audio Technica VM760SLC or Ortofon 2M Black, or other high output cartridge. I do not want a MC, want user replaceable stylus?
18 responses Add your response
Rauljazz, Did you mean to say you want several "opinions", rather than "options"? You're sure to get more opinions than you can handle. The other reason for not wanting an MC with your phono stage is you would need a SUT to step up the signal voltage of most MC cartridges, in order for an MC to work well into your existing stage. So you'd either need a SUT or an entirely new phono stage. IMO, the best MMs leave nothing on the table when compared to all but perhaps the most expensive MC cartridges. So stick to your guns. |
With that effective mass you can get away with a myriad of medium to high compliance cartridges. Perhaps you could even lower the effective mass further by adopting a very lightweight head shell, if your tone arm has interchangeable head shells. In any case, be prepared for an avalanche of suggestions, all different, all adamant. |
For new cartridges (in addition to what you have already mentioned), the upper end clearaudio MM's are also very good. If you're not afraid of purchasing used... Grado Signature series Empire 4000 DIII Empire 2000 Z If you have a month or so... Check out the HUGE MM thread Raul started here. There are a lot of old MM/MI carts that are really good. |
There are two critical parameters of the most important components in analog chain: -tonearm mass -cartridge compliance If you know tonearm mass you have to choose a cartridge compliance accordingly. *you can read here P.S. Dynamic compliance must be stated at 10Hz in cu If it was stated at 100Hz (for Japanese carts) simply multiply on 1.7 to convert to 10Hz before you will make any calculations |