Thanks Frogman. I notice it is a P mount. I have a standard slotted head shell, clip mount, Basis Vector 4.
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.
- 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.
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- 58 posts total
Hi folks- time for an update. I am not super happy with the Axia repair. Maybe I am just biased now, and without anything else to compare the sound to, maybe it’s hard to judge. Regardless, it is time to try something new. I think I would like to try a good MM with the EAR 834P - I am open to trying something vintage, but not coming up with availability on the ones mentioned above. For new MM is have seen good reviews on the Vessel 3SM. https://www.lpgear.com/product/THEVESSELR3SM.html Any comments on this one? Or other recommendations? I am curious to try the EAR834P with MM setting. I expect to also get another MC, thinking about the AT-ART9? Or also hearing good things about the soundSmith zephyr, which I understand is considered a good match for my vpi table. Appreciate any help, particularly if you have experience with the EAR834P. |
- 58 posts total