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Pondering to pull the trigger on an AT VM 760SLC

Hello... I am going to take a second pass in a different forum... My last post was similar, but I have somewhat  fine tuned my note and questions here...

I am wanted to pull the trigger on an AT VM760SLC.  I think my apprehension is just and I'd like to get a bit of feedback. As I have shared...I have a Dual 1219 and a Grado Platinum 1.  I do remember back in the day about 1976 I bought an AT 14 and I was so impressed by the round tones and higher highs.  I want to hear that again...yes I want rounder, sweeter, candy-coated sound...I admit it....while my tinnitus is probably a factor. :)  All those trips to the Los Angeles Forum as a kid.

Is the AT VM760SLC  a substantial step-up from the Grado Platinum 1 in the tonal quality that I seek?  My concern is whether the Dual 1219 TT can really handle this new cartridge...allowing it to perform as it should.  I am also thinking about that all-important 92 degree set-up.  Is that a factor that can be met with the old-school Dual? Would I need shims to compensate?  Or does the 92 degree issue only apply to higher end MC cartridges?  And...lastly...does a platter mat help to calibrate that 92 degree issue and affect set-up overall?

Go ahead...I can take it...  I love my Dual... but, it is from an older age; as are my Yamaha separates - M-70, C-70.

As far as speakers... yeah...I'm the guy with the Cerwin Vega's D8's...bigger rounder tones, that I  like. And  I am thinking that the AT VM760SLC may compensate for the CV's lesser/subdued highs. 

I could do another post about how I was not impressed by the various models of Klipsch speakers heard at Best buy / Magnolia.   Another day...

Please...any input would be helpful...

Thank you.

vinylspin
vinylspin
elliottbnewcombjr
5,405 posts
 
The AT comes with advanced stylus shape, much more contact with sides of grooves (the music)

3 versions, all preferable to the Grado which is elliptical

All aluminum shaft, tips: MicroLine, Shibata, Special Microline. How are you deciding which one? 
vinylspin OP
24 posts
 
Thank you so much for responding. The old days, one could go to a number of Los Angeles stereo chain stores...Federated, Pacific Stereo, Now Sound,  Rogers Sound Labs,  Cal Stereo...and so many others.  Now...I just want to listen to the 3 different cartridges mentioned above.  I know that each have their own advantages...one isn't better, per se, than the others...just being able to fine tune a need and preference.  I want the AT 760...the highest end of the Moving Magnet type.  I will not move into MC carts.  That is a whole other world.  though, I do like the "sweet" sound of AT.  I might just go with the Shibata and be done with it...which may require me to go with the AT 750 instead.
I am just wondering if my Dual 1219 will do this AT high-end moving magnet cartridge justice...while dealing with the 92 degree factor and the azimuth too. Like I mentioned earlier, I might need shims for the 92 degree issue...not sure....and lastly...the platter mat...I wonder if that will affect the set up. 

There I go...rambling again.

What a hobby.  We are always leaning forward, into the wind...looking for that sweet spot of sound.

Thanks for reading.

vinylspin
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,776 posts
 
I have a 750 and it is probably enough for your needs and it's $200 cheaper. It is resolving enough to compensate for the speakers! You are overthinking the set up.
tablejockey
3,904 posts
 
"The old days, one could go to a number of Los Angeles stereo chain stores...Federated, Pacific Stereo, Now Sound, Rogers Sound Labs, Cal Stereo...and so many others."
http://www.pacificstereo.net/store.jpg

Remember the great ads in the Sunday LA Times Calendar section?
You forgot University Stereo.

Since you’re willing to spend that much, consider this also
https://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/fixed-coil/otello
Very nice and you can get it rebuilt for a reasonable price.

I have one as a backup for the "serious" cartridge
elliottbnewcombjr
5,405 posts
 
tablejockey

MC is an expensive move, and OP, like me for many years is highly resistant to MC.

there is no way I would have moved into any new cartridge with elliptical stylus, certainly not MC elliptical stylus like that Soundsmith.

Like you, I might keep it, and, if not inclined for a separate mono cartridge, elliptical is better for mono lp grooves.
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