2. analog
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low tracking force cartridge recommendations?

hey, i'm new here (and also relatively new to the audiophile analog world), so i could really use some advice on my "new" turntable, which will very likely end up being a Dual 1019. from all of my research and speaking with people, it would seem to me that Dual recommended using cartridges that have a low tracking force. my understanding of that is limited, but i do have some idea of what that means.

being my first turntable in many many years, i am not looking to spend a fortune on cartridges - i figured i could spend $100 to $200 at most, and have found many that fall into that price range. some have recommended an Ortofon Super OM 30 to me, others pointing towards a Shure M97 XE. the repair shop that is looking over the turntable was saying a decent Audio-Technica might just be the best route... there are so many choices that my head is spinning.

one thing i did learn is that i apparently should be using a Moving Magnet cartridge since I will be using this table through a Bellari VP129 pre-amp, which I also just purchased.

i will primarily be listening to jazz and old rock records on this unit on a not-particularly hi-fi setup, though having the tube preamp was important to me since i'd love to hear stuff through my Grado SR 125's.

so, knowing all of that, what sort of cartridges would you recommend? i'd be thrilled to find something for $50 that sounds good and won't harm my records, but as i said, would be willing to spend a bit more if that will get me something significantly better.

thank you!
tethead
markd51
763 posts
 
My best advice, is find yourself a good working older Shure V-15 Type III Body, and for another $100 buy a Jico Shure SAS Stylus from LP Gear, and be merrily on your way to sonic nirvana.

I'd buy the Stylus first, and perhaps "luck into" a Body cheaply from ebay, with the assurance from seller, that if he/she sells you a DOA Cartridge, they'll refund your money in full in a worst case scenario.
Mark
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Check out this thread for some thoughtful MM cartridge recommendations by one of Audiogon's most experienced members.
tethead OP
10 posts
 
@ Markd51: thanks for the suggestions. why do you recommend buying the body and stylus separately? as I am quite a novice in this field, installing a stylus onto a body is not the first thing I want to be doing to set up my new system. I have read that the Jico Shure SAS is a very good aftermarket stylus replacement for the Shure V15, but I'm not sure I'd want to start out with something quite that expensive (i'm pricing out that combo at well over $200). my hopes were to find something a bit more reasonably priced to get me going in this whole adventure.

@ Dougdeacon: thanks a lot for that link, i've read through that thread and appreciate his insights on MM cartridges. some of it is a bit over my head, but i think i got the general idea.

i guess what i'm still looking for are recommendations from people who own (or have owned) turntables with relatively low tracking force, and which MM cartridges they have tried and liked on them.

thanks!
markd51
763 posts
 
Hello Doug, I presume you posted a link to Raul's posts, correct?

Well, I do very much like what Raul says, and I personally find that virtually all of what Raul has ever contributed to this forum is highly valuable, and helpful. My hat's off to you Raul!

But why Raul fails to mention, like, or suggest in any of his posts, any of the Shure V-15 Cartridges is beyond me?

While I can probably not ever claim to be in a class of you Doug, or Raul in experience with so many different, very costly Catrridges, or ever give precise accurate information about the many things "analog, I do have a considerable amount of experience with Shure MM Cartridges, mainly the V-15 Series, I've owned a number of Type III, and in fact still own my 35 year old original, bought new, and now sports a Jico SAS Stylus.

This is used on a spare mint Denon DP-2550/Grace DA-307 Table of mine. I've had literal 1000's of hours placed on this very Cartridge, as well as other V-15's I've owned, and this particular Cartridge is now on its fourth Stylus! Therefore, I'd like to say, my claims are not from hearsay, other's advice, or claims, but my own personal experiences over the many years I've been into analog. I first started this quest in 1972. As Doug Knows, I now sport a ZYX Airy 3X on a VPI Table. A great Cartridge that gets beter every time I play it.

I've heard numerous V-15's in other's systems, find many of my friends still use this Cartridge happily, and swear by it's sound.

By no means trying to barge my way into this discussion claiming I'm some authority, but this is one way to get excellent sound, superb tracking, and value, at a very meager price. Mark
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