2. analog
  3. 155030-33675

AT 33SA or OC9 for 1200 mk5

Been trying to narrow down a cart after my 301 mk2 received damage. I extended my budget to include the 33SA, but have been going back and forth with the Shibata and Micro line stylus.

The PTG/2 was at the top of my list until I started hearing more about the 33SA. However I have spoken with a few people about their bias towards the OC9XSL which then gets debated in a few threads over the OC9 with the micro line stylus.

My phonostage is a Phonomena 2, I have the 12g Zupreme headshell but still have the stock headshell if needed, upgrades include the Cardas rewire.

Smooth top end and controlling sibliance is a high priority, seems most AT carts in this range do this while some are better than others.

What started as what I thought was an easy choice has my head in circles..lol.

I'm not well versed on how cart compliance affects the end result if cart choice is not carefully selected.

All input appreciated.
dyl71
gibsonian
73 posts
 
No lean away from musical at all for the line contact stylus.   Out of the 3 I'd say the line contact versions might be the most musical.   The ART9 and the OC9iii share the same body, are in the same family.   Have not actually heard the 33PTG but am sure it is also good.    Have fun!


@gibsonian What are your thoughts of the micro line vs the shibato? Does the ML start to lean away from musical.. but not implying analytical? These 3 carts, the ART9, OC9/iii, and the 33PTG are looking like you need to own all of them...lol.
dyl71 OP
47 posts
 
To update this, I installed the 33PTG/2 yesterday and pretty much have it dialed in to the Baerwald arc. I just need to fine tune the azimuth but had to shove off to work yesterday but was able to play a few tracks.
With the cart, and the Cardas wire upgrade, I was absolutely thrilled at the results. I was waiting for that sibilance after I noticed the increased air and liveliness surrounding all aspects of the recording, but the highs were very well controlled. There was no sense of brightness, all the high notes and vocals just seem to be just right, no sibilance at all.

There was a small setback as I tried the 10g Zupreme headshell with the PTG, along with the AT headshell wires. This combo tipped the scales at right about (IIRC) 19.7g and the stock counterweight could not level this out. I could have just gone with the 1.8-2.2g tracking force but wanted to be able to at least balance the assembly...I may try this later anyway,
So I used the stock headshell to begin with which the entire assembly weighed in at 17.25g with the AT headshell wires and did balance out. Using the HiFi news Test LP I have a resonance at 9 Hz.
Overall it was somewhat of a wow moment in regards to clarity, detail, and control.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
This combo tipped the scales at right about (IIRC) 19.7g and the stock counterweight could not level this out. I could have just gone with the 1.8-2.2g tracking force but wanted to be able to at least balance the assembly...

There is a stock subweight with every Technics SL1200 series, just screw it in. If you don’t have it you can buy here for $12.95. With subweight you can balance heavier cartridges/headshell. 
dyl71 OP
47 posts
 
 I bought this used a few years ago from the original owner and he barely used it but did not have the extra weight.

 Thank you for the link.
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