2. analog
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broken dreams - new cartridge help please!

I need help on selecting a replacement MC cartridge. Two years ago I put together my first serious vinyl system:

- Transfiguration Axia S MC cartridge
- VPI Scout 2 with upgraded heavy platter and JMW 10 tonearm
- EAR 83P preamp
- Line Magnetic LM-211 IA tube amp
- Legacy Studio HD Monitor speakers

Note I listed the cartridge first - I did a lot of research and perhaps spent an inordinate amount on it, but I got an amazing deal from a EU vendor from Audigon ($1100US - new in box). Loved the set up! Sound was better than I thought possible :-)

Now the sad part - last week my house cleaner snapped the cantilever off while dusting :-(. I had told her to leave the stereo to me to dust, but I guess the desire to clean what I hadn't for some time got the better of her. As the 10 JMW sticks out a bit from the VPI base and the acrylic dust cover no longer fits, it was exposed. Unfortunately, the plastic cantilever guard was such a difficult fit that I was more afraid of snapping the cantilever off trying to put it on and take off that I never used it.

I checked with Needle Doctor about replacing but as I suspected they cannot. I have emailed Immutable/Transfiguration but no response :-(

Sorry for the long preamble, but I had to commiserate with some one who might feel for me (my wife doesn't get it- she is happy listening to an Amazon Echo Plus).

Checking current prices on the Axia reveal $2450 new, $1600 used. Currently cannot afford that. I need to come in under $1000. Need some help from you more experienced audiophiles out there! My listening tastes are a bit eclectic, but center on rock and blues. Want to stick with a low output MC.

Here are some that I have been considering:
- Ortofon Quintet Black S MC
- Audio-Technica AT33Sa
- Dynavector 20X2L
- Sumiko Blackbird Low MC

I know some of these may retail over $1k, but I am not adverse to a low hour used cartridge or scouring the net for good deals.

Any help on the above options or alternatives would be very much appreciated :-)

Thanks, Rick.
rykk999
rykk999 OP
10 posts
 
Hi folks- thanks for the suggestions and info!

I have reached out to both Steve @ VAS and Andy at  phonocartridgeretipping.com and both have indicated they can replace with a boron cantilever. Do any of you have experience with both? Are they on par with quality and service?

Regarding future protection, I may try to craft a cartridge cover that is easier to put on than the one that came with it, but also look into a new plexi cover that will fit the JMW 10 tonearm. Any one out there have a cover that might fit that they would swap for the one I have that fits a VPI Scout with 9 in arm?

tomic601 no jinx, just good karma :-). I will def use cardboard as a defense on cleaning days if I don't have anything else.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Heard nothing but good on Steve from vas. Just search some very recent threads on him, fast service, crazy low pricing from what I see.
Good luck!

Btw, time for a new cleaning service I think!
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
The Absolute Sound review comparing the $249 Audio-Technica VM540ML against the $649 VM760SLC to be nearly equivalent in performance, not just in technical detail, but in communication of emotional content. 
tablejockey
3,941 posts
 
rykk999-

Your pain is felt.

The Blackird is a great cart. It is does however, have the exposed cantilever.  It will break in a microsecond  due to loss of awareness.

Have you considered the AT ART9? Just a little north of your budget. I personally found the ATOC9 III great for half as well.

I used both for several years on my VPI.
big_greg
6,670 posts
 
 I've used Andy Kim. Very happy with his work. 
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