2. amps-preamps
  3. 162295-131882

Phono stage and Cartridge for Technics 1210 GR

I am about to purchase a Turntable and am leaning towards Technics 1210 GR was looking at 1200G but then realized cost of good cartridge and phono.  This is all new to me since I have been mainly streaming and listening to some CD/DAT.

I would like to spend no more than $1500 for for the phono stage and cartridge.  Anything else i will need that I am not thinking about?

I am currently using a  Linear Tube Audio ZOTL Ultralinear Integrated Amplifier I did not get phono stage when purchased.  I asked about adding cost would be $1250 level 1 or $1900 level 2.  I have been researching on the forum and it seems most recommend a separate phono stage.

Here is link to my system.
dukeassassin's System - Virtual Systems (audiogon.com)

Thanks for your time in advance.
dukeassassin
elliottbnewcombjr
5,505 posts
 
CARTRIDGE:

Stylus Shapes

Advanced stylus shapes are best. (microline, microlinear, SAS, Shibata ...). They cost more, however they have longer life, so not too expensive in the long run.

https://sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information

For MM, replaceable stylus, any phono stage, I recommend this one:

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm750sh

Wide 30db channel separation, tight 1.0 db channel balance are both advantages for imaging

For MC Moving Coil, fixed stylus, higher initial cost, higher replacement cost, and extra mc amplification cost:

My first MC moving coil cartridge, I researched, asked advice, charts, circles and arrows and decided to try one. I am very glad I did, my cartridge choice:

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/line-series/at33-series/at33ptg-2

It sounds great, very involving musically, and it’s wide separation and tight center balance are the factors that make it preferable to my Shure V15VxMR with a new Jico SAS stylus.

saved $100. via eBay

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-new-Audio-Technica-MC-Cartridge-AT33PTG-II-AT-33-PTG-II/264129989611?...

................................................................

PNONO STAGE:

I had a phono stage I liked, so I used a SUT step up transformer, to get the small MC signal up to MM signal strength. Love it.

For you, I suggest starting with a MM cartridge, and get a phono stage that has both MM and MC. Many of these exist, however, they only have 1 internal load for an unknown future MC cartridge.

I advise a VERSATILE Phono Stage: MM and MC section with a few options.

I just found this one, I think I will order it for my office, which will add MC capability to my TT there.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08H2GPD7F/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2H1DLE1VLYNIR&psc=1

youtube review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBAdLY3Upbo

in his video he mentions their iPhono3, extremely versatile, but $1,000.

https://www.amazon.com/iFi-Phonostage-Preamplifier-Compatible-Cartridges/dp/B088SSSTPD

Like I said, it’s fun learning about stuff, evidently they have been around, check out their product line:

https://ifi-audio.com/products/zen-phono/

...................................

I found a few other VERSATILE MM/MC phono stages, posted them here

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/upgraded-turntable-is-my-current-setup-sufficient


elliottbnewcombjr
5,505 posts
 
I just ordered the iFi for my office, due here this coming Friday.

I'll plug it into my main system downstairs first, listen to MM and MC

then upstairs to my office, MM now, 3 easy loading options for future MC.

easy to return, I think you need to have return option for any phono stage you try.
dukeassassin OP
10 posts
 
Thanks elliottbnewcombjr for all this information.  I was thinking I was going with MM cartridge as mainly listen to classic rock.  Great advice about getting versatile phono stage for both MM and MC and return option.  Time to do some more homework...
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