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What replacement cartridge for BSR Quanta 400?

I am eagerly awaiting delivery of my Supratek Chenin preamp, and am looking to tune up my old BSR Quanta 400 turntable while I wait. I eventually plan to get a VPI TT, but until then, the BSR will have to do. It's in great shape, since I've been out of vinyl since the mid-80s (I know, shame on me!), and it's been in storage, but I think I'll replace the drive belt, and upgrade the stock cartridge (the one it had when I bought it way back in the late 70's). I can't wait to hear vinyl sounds coming from my Zu Druids. I would appreciate any suggestions regarding an appropriate replacement cartridge. I'm looking for something that's very good, but not out of line for the quality of the BSR. Thanks in advance.
ait
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ait OP
480 posts
 
The Supratek preamp will be fine with a low output cartridge, it is designed for them. With that in mind, would you still recommend the high output?
sean
6,231 posts
 
I think that you are WAY over-estimating the capabilities of the BSR and wanting to spend too much on a cartridge for this arm. Having said that, i would second Viridian's recommendation of the Ortofon Super OM-10 or Super OM-20.

If you were to start off with the Super OM-10, which would probably be a good bet, you can easily upgrade the performance of the cartridge / phono system by replacing the stylus with that of the Super OM-30 at a later date. Ortofon was smart in setting these cartridges up this way, allowing one to minimize their initial investment and upgrade gradually should they feel the need.

Using this approach, you can get started with playing vinyl. It also keeps your costs down at this point in time. You can put the money that you saved towards a better vinyl rig. On top of this, you'll have plenty of time to decide whether or not your like the basic Ortofon OM sound enough to upgrade in that line or go elsewhere. This approach also takes into account that you may end up with a different tonearm that is better suited for a lower output / higher mass cartridge. Sean
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jaybo
4,478 posts
 
i would go with a quality mm like grado(gold) or high output mc sumiko bluepoint 2.
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rauliruegas
13,095 posts
 
Dear Ait: I agree with Viridian. The BSR tonearm " likes " a high compliance cartridge, the 103 is a low compliance one and it is not the best match.

You could go for the Ortofon, Audio Technica, Empire and maybe a Grado. You don't have to go for an entry MM cartridge you could buy a good one that you can use it ( too ) when you up-grade your TT/tonearm, in this way you could enjoy the music today and tomorrow.

The MM cartridges are really good and many of them outperform the MC counterparts and in many ways compete " bis a bis " with the best MC ones.

Btw, right now you can buy through e-bay a remote control for your BSR TT: take a look.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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