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Is elliptical the best stylus profile

In my experiences, it seems that elliptical shaped stylus track better and pretty much have the same amount of detail that a line contact has, maybe a little less.  The difference, again in my experience is that the line contact needs to be set up perfectly for good performance.  How many of us are experts at setup.  Cartridge manufacturers, Why not just use elliptical shape and give everybody a break? 
tzh21y
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@rauliruegas i have no problem to use nearly all of them, but for some reason the most impressive carts are not with elliptical diamonds (and not with a conical). Some elliptical are very good like the Pioneer PC-1000 mkII, Victor X-1 IIE or those top Technics we have discussed million times. Nothing really wrong with an elliptical, but it's easy to compare many styli with such carts like Grace Level II or F-14, they made many variations (different cantilevers, different diamonds). 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
My favorite mc cartridge for years was the GAS Sleeping Beauty Super Elliptical ($200 in 1977!). Great sound for years until the suspension failed! I recently purchased a Coral 777 (used) to replace it (same cartridge as the SB). Still one of the best overlooked bargains!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
After the SB died I bought a Fidelity Research FR1mk3F (line contact stylus). Again, great sound (and a forgotten classic -$230 in 1980!).
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
The problem with all MC pickups is that you can't quickly check the same cartridge with a different stylus profile for comparison like you can do with MM to make sure what is the best sounding stylus shape. It's important to listen to the same cartridge on the same toneam, but with different stylus profile (or maybe even different cantilevers). Surely we can retip MCs with a beter profiles, but how can we actually compare them after it was away for 5 month at least (typical turnaround with any retiper) ?  

P.S. the FR-1 mk3F is not forgotten, dealers still fooling people around with a statement that it is a non integrated version of the venerable FR-7F, but it's not true. 
tzh21y OP
1,654 posts
 
I understand that the best cartridges will have the profiles that in a perfect alignment will give the best performance on the best vinyl. I do not question that.  Some profiles work better on all vinyl, not just new vinyl.  they should make the better carts with a choice of stylus profile.  What I here is not much difference from elliptical and micro ridge to justify.  Sorry, I just do not here it and I have pretty good ears, trust me.  i am very finnicky, so I know the whole perfection thing.
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