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Need some Cart recommendations, $300 - $700 (New/Used) range…warm, full, yet great def.

As always…all thoughts welcomed…but actual experience is preferred.

 

 

Background: I want my records to sound like records (full, organic, etc.) not cds (I say this because I’ve had and heard several hi end turntable/cart combos that sounded sterile and analytical… I hate that). I don’t care if it’s coloration I’m seeking or not. If you have a problem with this notion…that’s ok but please don’t debate it here.

Right now I’m very satisfied with all aspects of my system…just want to have an extra cart to rotate in.

 

 

I have the following

-Turntable is Vintage Kyocera p701 (think old HK, AR suspended design…uses ceramics to dampen) it’s an awesome table worthy of even very high end carts.

-cart is a Hana SL …which I really really like after wasting a lot of time and money on other carts. (And no, not ruling out the ML…but wouldn’t mind a bit of a different sound signature)

-Phono pre- PS Audio Stellar- love this too…landed on after many disappointments and wasted $. My pre should accommodate most suggestions and it’s not going to change.

 

I am open to MM, MI, or MC…but seems like we are moving toward MC?

 

As mentioned/implied above…I like FULL/LUSH sound

 

Carts I’ve liked: Shelter 201 (awesome for the money!), Shure Vintage Carts (M95ED?), Hanna SL

Carts I think I’d like: Nagoka, Grado

Carts I haven’t liked: dynavectors, ortofon red, blue, bronze, and, omg, Rega Exact (yuk!) 😉

 

re. Grado…sounds like these may be my exact cup of tea…but, possibly foolishly, from what I’ve heard, I worry about hum and weight… Definitely would love some input from folks with actual experience here! I am intrigued by Grado.

 

I’ll try to find some specs in mean time.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

128x128ml8764ag
elliottbnewcombjr
5,592 posts
 

Anyone, Everyone:

How in the world can you buy/have premier audio system, a premier TT, premier Arm, and put less than an advanced stylus shape on it?

https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information

How could you possibly use a Conical Sphere on a modern LP groove?

Why would you settle for a standard elliptical when Microline, Shibata, SAS, Gyger, Van den Hul .... have been around so very long?

Conical in Hand Carved Petrified Wood, found only below the body of a Mastodon. oh boy, what the ????

 

Is it lack of skills or apprehension of aligning the more advanced stylus shape? What else could it be? Tell me please.

.....................................

OP,

Do you have the simple tools and skills to align an advanced stylus shape?

boothroyd is correct about the AT33ptg, but that caution is about ANY advanced stylus shape. Not perfectly with a microscope, but done right: overhang, null points, azimuth, vta, tracking force, anti-skate. bit by bit, it’s not hard unless you are a klutz, then get a friend.

Anti-skate. There are some deniers out there, but it is simple and true physics, and it needs to be set correctly for any, and again, more importantly for advanced stylus shapes. The blank record method is visionary!

Someone, dealer, friend, me, you has to simply acquire the simple and inexpensive tools and skills to do it for the rest of your life.

lewm
13,261 posts
 

For your budget and stated desires, you want an MM or MI cartridge.  Not a cheap MC. For only one example, a Grace F9 or Ruby retipped by SoundSmith with their LC or OCL stylus.

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,864 posts
 

@ml8764ag  I have sent a PM with a content that might prove useful.

lewm
13,261 posts
 

Or new Nagaoka, audio Technica, SoundSmith SMMC, Garrot, etc.

bgross's avatar
bgross
407 posts
 

Geez sooooo many options. I find the Rega, "Exact" to be a HUGE value and was surprisingly really terrific on a vintage Thorens, 160. Also have a Van den Hul, "MC One" on my Luxman table. It's amazing too but will take more than your budget allows (worth searching). GL - lots out there to wade through. 

 

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