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Please help me choose a new cart, advice needed

Okay let me start off by saying that I listen to mostly 80s/90s rock some fusion etc.. I sometimes actively listen, but my TT is almost the only source that I use at home. Its almost always playing.

My table is an oracle alexandria with a well tempered arm (I think its a classic but im not 100% sure) that I rewired with cryo cardas wire and clips. I am using a wellborne labs tube phono stage. I do not know how much gain it offers, and not sure how to find out! Interconnects are audioquest quartz. Amp is a carver PM 1.5 and speakers are mordaunt-short performance 860s. I do not own a preamp right now but have a PSE studio SL on the way.

I started with a denon DL103 cart. Always had major sibalance problems that I could not fix. I now think that cart was faulty (I still have it). I replaced that cart with an NOS sumiko BP, not the #2 version about a year ago. The BP, as everyone said, did midrange very well but the highs were always a bit chopped for me, as was the bass extension. I have a backup marantz table that I use often that I had a audio-technica at331lp cart on it with a P-mount adapter. I always kinda liked it so I swapped it to my oracle tonight. The highs that I missed are there, the midrange is not quite as forward as the sumiko (which I am not sure I like) bass is a little less but the extension seems deeper.

I think its time to put a different cart on my oracle. Can anyone help me with some suggestions? I am open to purchasing a good used cart as well. There is little chance I could swing over $400 for a different cart. Judging from my frankenstien audio-technica there must be something better out there for me! I was considering both of the top end audio-technica carts.

Any thoughts from you guys would be fantastic. I am using protractors and stylus force gauges for setup as well.

Evan
240z4u
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the system is really nice, the turntable and the speakers are indeed absolute 'classics'. i would wait until the ps is in system before getting thr new cartridge.......though the dynavector is superb
Post removed 
240z4u OP
32 posts
 
Thanks so much for the info guys!

Jaybo, thanks for your thoughts on the speakers when i purchsed them. They are the best piece of equipment I have ever owned by far!!

I am a tonearm tweaker, do not worry about that! I have a very through understanding of the arm and its adjustments. The only thing I hate about my WTT is the lack of on the fly vta adjustment. I guess its compounded by the oracle's suspension design making it flop all over when you touch it LOL.

I live outside chicago, so music direct is downtown. I am going to try to get down there to audition some carts. I will be sure the rest of my source components and amps are all setup and ready to roll before making a final decision.

Thanks again audigoners! - Evan
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240z4u OP
32 posts
 
Mine is of the aluminum tube variety.

Thanks for that tip! I am leaning twoards a dynavector right now anyway due to availability.

Evan
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