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Update on my TT causing distortion at higher volume

Recap: SLP-05 pre-amp. Cary 805 mono's Music Hall 11.1 I had a Gold Legacy MC. (under microscope the cart was damaged. Bent cantilever and the diamond was not pretty.

I did the cheapest thing first: I purchased the $100 Ortofon Red MM cart.

The volume jumped up way high. To be expected. The music is very fatiguing.

I did order the EAE GLO PETit BLK. Should be here in about a week.

Any suggestions on a warmer cart, for mostly JAZZ and occasional rock. That is not fatiguing? Price range under $700. I am not prejudiced for or against MM or MC

Thank you for any help / suggestions.

cinqcepages
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

Grado Sonata ($300).

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 

Hana EL or SL. If you can go higher in budget go for Hana ML. Either cartridge set up correctly will improve your listening experience with the ML taking it to new heights. I recommend getting a good protractor such as Dr. Feichert new generation.

cinqcepages's avatar
cinqcepages OP
52 posts
 

I am in the market for multiple cartridges. so thank you @audphile1 and @jasonbourne52 ​​​​@noromance 

ghdprentice
7,710 posts
 

OP,

 

Just out of interest… multiple cartridges? Why? Cartridges get better with cost… they combine the positive attributes of different less expensive cartridges, while dramatically reducing surface noise and increasing dynamic impact. of course increasing your investment in the TT as well has to be a part of early upgrades.

Anyway, you might consider a single cartridge until you can upgrade the whole rig. I the range of your TT jumps of 2x or 3x will net really substantial improvements in sound.

lewm
13,558 posts
 

Since the SLP05 is a linestage, I have to wonder what you’re using for a phono stage. Could it be that you’re driving a high gain MC phono stage with an MM cartridge (the Ortofon Red)? This would inevitably overload such a phono stage and cause the objectionable distortion you describe. If not, then you just need a better cartridge, and that’s not hard to achieve, given your present starting point.

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