Just about any new cartridge will outperform a worn or aged cartridge that has lost compliance if not also stylus shape. Dynavector is a fine choice among many many possible choices. You may also want to check your turntable for speed, both absolute speed and speed stability. If the AR has been sitting for years, the belt is at least suspect and probably ought to be replaced empirically. Also, check and probably replace the bearing lubricant.
What cartridge to replace my Audioquest 404 BH?
Well, my AR ES-1 turntable was in a closet for about 15 years before I
set it back up a couple months ago. The tonearm is an Audioquest PT-5.
It actually sounds pretty good, with the exception of the louder, more
complex passages, which sound a bit strained or harsh(I don't think the
problem is mis-tracking). As to the cartridge itself, it was used
quite a bit back in the day, and I have played quite a few LPs since
setting it back up. With my vision, it is difficult to really see the
stylus and I don't have much experience with how a stylus is supposed to
look anyway. I just have a feeling that the stylus is worn(not to
mention just old) and I can improve my sound with a new cartridge.
The 404 BH was a pretty highly reviewed high output MC cartridge in its day, and I wouldn't want to take a step down in audio quality. Its rated output is 2.2mv, which is on the low side for my receiver and I have to crank the volume fairly high.
So, can anyone recommend a few MM or high output MC cartridges that I can check out? I am seeing great reviews on the Dynavector 20X2 H and 10X5 . Thanks much.
The 404 BH was a pretty highly reviewed high output MC cartridge in its day, and I wouldn't want to take a step down in audio quality. Its rated output is 2.2mv, which is on the low side for my receiver and I have to crank the volume fairly high.
So, can anyone recommend a few MM or high output MC cartridges that I can check out? I am seeing great reviews on the Dynavector 20X2 H and 10X5 . Thanks much.
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- 7 posts total
- 7 posts total