2. analog
  3. 144104-100047

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, and yeti42-
I have received the repaired cartridge about 3 weeks ago now. I have held off writing anything as the new stylus has broken in. I tried to take some pics, but I do not have a macro lens and they did not turn out very well.

So- I can't claim to have the ear of a true audiophile, but I know what I like, and I really liked my set up. Again, I do not have any other cartridge to compare with. After reinstalling the repaired Axia I felt that the mids seemed a bit flat - this was noticeable with female vocals. As it has broken in, it has improved, but I can't help but feel that it is not as clean and transparent as the original. But, I may have been biased by some of the comments on this thread. To be fair, without a true A-B trial it is very hard to judge.

Overall, I would say that I am happy with the result, as I can once again listen to music! For $445 to repair a bent housing and install the new boron cantilever and line contact stylus, I believe the results are worth it, compared to buying something equivalent to the original.

In the future, I will purchase another cartridge (thanks all for the recommendations!), and then be able to compare.

For now, all is good, and I very carefully attach the cover and move the arm to the center of turntable when the cleaner comes.

frogman
7,441 posts
 
This is not a pitch for any inherent superiority of MM cartridges as some believe; there are great examples of both MM and MC. However, I know the EAR very well and I can say with confidence that the MM section is inherently better sounding than the MC section (MM+transformers). If the overall gain structure of your system allows it you may want to consider an excellent MM instead. Its higher output (+3mv) would allow you to bypass the transformers for potentially much better sound.
rykk999 OP
10 posts
 
Hi Frogman- I would be interested in exploring a MM with the EAR. What cartridges would you recommend?
frogman
7,441 posts
 
I am sure others can offer suggestions as well.  All of the MM’s that I have used with the EAR have been vintage MM’s and not that easy to find: AT ATML170-OCC, Empire 4000D III, Andante, Azden and Acutex LPM 420STR.  All are excellent (the Andante not quite “excellent”).  The EAR is a beautiful and fairly lush sounding unit and benefits from a cartridge that is not too “soft” sounding or lush itself.  I found the Empire to be too soft sounding with the EAR in my all tube system.  The best tonal balance was achieved with the Azden and the Acutex.  Both those cartridges offered excellent definition and detail.  I have not heard it, but the Ortofon 2M Black has been getting a lot of attention.  Perhaps others will chime in.  Good luck.

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I am sure others can offer suggestions as well.  All of the MM’s that I have used with the EAR have been vintage MM’s and not that easy to find: AT ATML170-OCC

AT-ML170 OCC is amazing MM cartridge, no doubt.  
The AT-ML180 OCC or OFC is even better. 

More affordable and not so rare is AT-ML150 OCC with Beryllium cantilever and MicroLine stylus ! Highly recommended if the budget is not high. 

Rare Sony XL-50 (MM) is my new discovery (Boron Pipe cantilever).

I can add in the top list (they are very expensive): Grace F-14 or LEVEL II with Beryllium, Ruby, Sapphire or Boron cantilevers, those carts have the best profiles (MicroRidge). Amazing cartridges, expecially LC-OFC versions. 

You can always try F-9 with some nice styli if the budget for Grace is not high. 

Definitely the Victor cartridges: X-1II or X-1IIe 






More to discover