NOS Grace F9E question

thanks guys for the info on the voltage output. @chakster I was looking for info on the F9 and also the Level II cartridges. @rauliruegas thanks for that link - I had actually seen it before. it’s what made me wonder why it’s so hard to get simple output numbers (the info isn’t there in that blurb). I’m guessing that it was the arrival of low output MC cartridges that made voltage output into an issue (or a ’thing’ as we’d put it these days). I’m too young to know first hand but at least that could explain the dearth of specs on the Grace F9s etc.

@jollytinker Grace made mode than 20 versions of LEVEL II cartridges in the 80s, which one you’re looking for ? As i said the output is from 3 to 5 mV depends on the model. You’re welcome.

vinylengine is the worst source for information regarding rare models of japanese cartridges, there is a lot of misinformation, you have to check on japanese sources for correct info


Everyone can find more about rare Grace models here
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/grace-level-ll

Dear @jollytinker : Maybe could be better to you to look for a different cartridge " taste " that could be the excelent Acutex M320 or Acutex 315/320LPM, B?O MMC1 or MMC2 or even the Astatic MF200 or MF100.

All those are MI type not MM and with enough output level for you.

If you want MM there are many very good contenders in the AT, Empire, Pickering/Stanton Azden, Shure, Nagaoka, etc, etc

First enjoy and lear what you can learn with what you own, give you some time before switch to other cartridges.

Yes, the temptation is big .

R.

Raul, Don't you think the word "speed", as applied to the difference in SQ between MC and MM or MI cartridges, is really saying the same thing as what I said, that MC cartridges seem to emphasize the attack of musical notes?  Psycho-acoustically, that would come across as a greater sense of speed.  But we know that our turntables are rotating at a constant speed, and the TT is the sole determinant of the time axis.  So, it cannot be actual greater speed that we are hearing with MC cartridges.  And my interpretation is that MC cartridges may lose the trailing edge of notes more quickly than do the other types, which makes them seem to emphasize the attack.  Always keeping in mind that my gross generalizations do not apply to ALL MC cartridges or all MM or MI types.  I think I am hearing this in comparing the AT ART7 to the Acutex LPM320.  Not so with my ZYX UNIverse.

All B&O cartridges made by SoundSmith for B&O under contract. SoundSmith is OEM, Peter spread the light on this interesting fact in his interview for Stereophile: https://youtu.be/Rd948px1230