Step up from AT150MLX on Technics 1200

11-16-14: Fleib
The 150 and 440 have different generators. The 440 treble glare comes from a rising high end and a cantilever resonance at 16KHz. ... Both need < 200pF capacitance and to cure the 440 treble, load it around 30K or fit it with a 150 stylus.

You're right about that. The optimum capacitance loading is a very narrow range. I was using a Jolida JD9A phono stage, which is highly configurable. Its capacitance loadings were 0, 47pF, 100 pF, 200, 300, and maybe more. The SL12x0's cable has 100 pF capacitance. I found that the optimum was right in the middle between 100 and 200 pF, at the 47pF setting (+100pF in the cable). 200pF sounded OK but not quite as good to my ears as the 147 total.

I have since switched to an older MAGI Phonomenal all-tube line stage. While the newer version has a 0pF setting, mine starts at 100 pF, meaning a total of 200pF. It sounded OK but was a touch bright, so I added the 1-ohm resistors to my Magneplanar 1.7s and that fixed it. Good thing, because--like its name suggests--this phono stage is phenomenal.

I have the AT 150MLX (which I still cycle in on occasion). I replaced it with the Zu DL 103. I think that the Zu 103 is a fantastic cartridge. Super musical. Very engaging. Well worth the money but still within a 'reasonable' price point.

I would keep the AT150MLX and see if you can try the Nagaoka and Ortofon so you can do a shoot out. Whichever cart wins is the one you keep. Or just keep all 3 and rotate them as all 3 are pretty much state of the art MMs.

Again, a lot of good advice. Thanks.

Knowing that this hobby can be expensive to upgrade as was pointed out, and recalling that I liked the sound of the Shure V15 type 4 cartridge in my old rig 30 years ago - I decided I would try the JICO SAS replacement stylus for a $160.

I will let you know how that turns out. Wish me luck!

Dsper

Dsper, if you got your IV from Witsolutions, try both the stylus that comes with it as well as the new Jico and let us know the differences.