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
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 






pops
2,275 posts
 
Well my Transfiguration Proteus is malfunctioning, don’t believe it is a stylus problem, discussed this in another thread.  At any rate I think I am screwed.  Fortunately I have an Ortofon Jubilee as a backup with about 800 hours on it.

I have yet to try an MM or MI.  Has anyone tried an MM or MI with Allnic H3000?   I am not in position to spend $4 to $5K on a cartridge and think it might be time to try something different.  
frogman
7,466 posts
 
I can’t imagine how anyone could do better than this for the money.  Sounds very good in my system.  No affiliation with seller:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Azden-YM-P50VL-ultimate-performance-cartridge-same-as-Empire-875XLT-RARE/31...

pops
2,275 posts
 
Thanks Frogman. I notice it is a P mount. I have a standard slotted head shell, clip mount, Basis Vector 4.
frogman
7,466 posts
 
Mine came with the p-mount to standard 1/2in mount, L bracket adaptor; works well.  
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