Phono stage and Cartridge for Technics 1210 GR

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

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.

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...

I have the ELAC PPA-2 ($999) hooked to my GR and could not be happier. Michael Fremer gave the ELAC a favorable review. Currently, I am using a KAB 40th anniversary Ortofon Concorde with the OM 40 stylus. Basically, the combo makes it a Concorde version of the 2m Black. Great cartridge. I also highly recommend the AT VM540ML which I also have. Performs much better than the price. Good luck

aberyclark

I have the earlier AT440ml. I thought the 540 was it's direct successor,

however, based on my listening, and imaging comparisons related to channel separation and balance, I decided, in OP's budget, to recommend the VM750SH instead.

my 440ml is sep 30 db; bal .75 db
VM540ml  is sep 28 d; bal 1.0 db

VM750SH is sep 30db (ml version 28 db)

My Shure, AT440, and AT33/PTG/II all are musically involving, but both AT's tighter center, and more distinctly positioned players, i.e. bass player here, trumpet there, on superior recordings is more apparent (not necessarily full width, individual distinction) 

Starting out try a Parks Puffin. It will match any and all carts.

For a VERY versatile phono stage look into the Gold Note PH10 about 1600 but can be had for less than 1300. Sonically just wondering read all the reviews online but as important it's a MM or MC with lots of settings possible for different cartridges.

Thanks aberyclark.  Michael Fremer reviewed both the ELAC PPA-2 and the iPhono3 recently and gave both great reviews for $999.  Now to read up on the Parks Puffin and Gold Note PH10.

My friend has that turntable and he is using this Sutherland phono preamp with this Grado cartridge and it sounds real nice!!
https://www.musicdirect.com/phono-preamps/Sutherland-KC-Vibe-mk2-Phono-Preamplifier
Grado - Timbre Series Opus3 MI Phono Cartridge (musicdirect.com)

Second the AT750SH.
Any way you can rearrange your space to get the speakers away from the wall?

I went with Daedalus Muse since the porting was out of the front.  When the kids moved out we downsized and moved into the city so not much of option to change room or location.  The wife likes the look more than my previous GE Triton 1 since this is what you see when you walk in the front door.  The  AT750SH has great reviews. Thanks

Dukeassassin,

I believe the Parks Phono pre uses dsp and converts the signal to digital before output (please correct if I am wrong). What's the point of vinyl if you convert it to digital for processing then back to analog for output. Just my take. I wonder how many people who demand that their records are mastered from analog sources uses a PP for their phono pre. I'm sure its a great device, however, if I want digital, I have a great Dac and plenty of hi Rez options.

Nice looking setup

I looked at your photo, and then went to OEM site. Your tweeters are to the outside, and they show them on the outside on their site.

I was trained to put the tweeter on the inside due to tweeter's narrower angle of dispersion. 

Also, I would toe them in just a bit, to avoid dispersion parallel to right side wall.

I am using reviews to narrow my search (probably not best method ;) ).  The Parks Phono had mixed reviews so I moved on and did not research. Thanks for pointing out  aberyclark.

elliottbnewcombjr thanks for taking the time look at my system.  I have emailed Lou the owner of Daedalus about how I have it set up and will let you know his response on the tweeter placement.

Thanks

I have read (and Michael Fremer also mentioned this feedback from some owners in his review of the 1200G back in 2017) that the sound signature of this turntable tends to be bright. Audio-Technica's house sound is on the bright side. An Audio-Technica cartridge will make your sound even brighter. Unless you like a bright tonality, I would avoid it. Probably something from Nagaoka or Goldring will be better suited. And you have to take into consideration your electronics as well. Just my 2 cents. Others may comment.

If your budget is $1,500 combined for the phono stage and cartridge, I would recommend the Parks Puffin as others have and a Hana SL cartridge. Yes, the Puffin does an analog to digital to analog conversion, but it sounds great for a $500 phono stage. Very quiet and enough gain for any cartridge. 

Having said all that, I would wait a while and save up and budget more for something like a Manley Chinook or similar phono stage. That would be more in line with the quality of your turntable. 

I'm sure we will learn something from Lou's response.

I didn’t say so, however, in my office, with bookshelf speakers horizontally at seated ear level, on shelves at he sides and 4 feet beyond my monitor, they sound better with the tweeters to the outside. It’s always good to try this type of thing. I have a perfect listening triangle here, B&W bookshelf with a 12" sub, my office system is a real pleasure, I have streaming, TT and Reel to Reel more active than ever up here. 

My left side bookshelf speaker is against a wall, like your right side speaker, but I cannot toe them in. I had to adjust the balance a bit to get the image centered properly on the monitor’s image.

I’m a big fan of remote balance from listening position, main system and here. Permanent slight fix in the office, just occasional tweaking for specific tracks/recordings in main system. A slight balance adjustment can make a significant difference.