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Cartridge upgrade question

Ok, I am using a VPI HW-19jr with a Sumiko MMT tonearm. Currently I have a Grado Gold of some unknown age mounted. I am feeding this into a Luxman c-120a pre with a pair of Luxman m-120a's driving A/D/S L810's.

The pre has both MM and MC phono stages, but there are no adjustments that I am aware of for loading/gain on the MC stage. From what I found online, it looks like it has an impedence of 390 Ohms and 20 db of gain.

I want to explore the MC stage on the pre so I am looking for an economical MC cart that will match well with the equipment I have now. I was considering a Denon 103 or 103R, but I'm not sure if those are a good match for the tonearm. I've also seen the AT OC9, but it looks like it isn't a good match for my pre.

My listening really runs the gamut, but if I were forced to choose one genre to listen to for the rest of my life; it would be jazz.
ninetwofour
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,399 posts
 
Use a high output cartridge and don't fiddle with the pre..
elevick
2,636 posts
 
I've got the same table with the same arm. Went from Grado to Clearaudio Aurum Beta S. Simply amazing. Very light sounding with amazing clarity and depth. This cartridge will keep up with anything.
calbrs03
184 posts
 
Maybe you've already been there, but if you haven't, try the Cartridge Database. It will take in your tonearm data, output requirements, price parameters and come up with loads of suitable cartridges of all types. It's great fun. and you can spend hours playing around with all the calculators. I've discovered several new cartridges this way.
markd51
762 posts
 
Ninetwofour asked this very same question over on Karma, and one good post here reflects mine, a good MM, that won;t be a mismatch for the pre-amp.

As I mentioned in Karma 9-2-4, there are killer MM's, that will deplete your bank account, such as the Clearaudios, which I understand some are built with Audio-Technica Parts.

One of course in "all" cases wants to get away with the best sound for the least cash outlay. The cash outlay of course is dependent on just how deep one's pockets are? Mine was deep enough, that I bought both a Benz Ruby 3, and then 4 months later on a whim, bought a ZYX Airy 3X SB. I use a Sutherland PhD Phono Stage, which has quite a bit of adjustability, and is adead quiet Battery Powered Stage. Hey you only live once!

I made a suggestion on karma to you, and of course, you must be happy with your decisions, and the cost that comes out of your pocket.

Best advice, do considerable homework, and hopefully, you will come away from this hard reasearch-work a happy person, with a good product that was money well spent. It's tough putting a price on audio-nirvana. Mark
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