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Cart Reccomendation for P5 re: roomate idiocy

Hello All,

I recently posted about how to upgrade my system and got some great responses! Well, I am back again in need of some expert advice. I really don't want to be buying a cart again but am forced too due to the incompetance of my roommate.

Here is the jist of what my situation is right now:

I have had a P1 w/Denon DL-160 cart and was going to swap that over to the P5 that I just acquired today from a great audiogoner!. I just got home and was about to go to work on it. I grabbed the P1 and was about to take the cart off the P1 when I noticed that the stylus was completely bent backward! I tried to bend it in to place but it was to no avail. The worst part is that my roommate won't even fess up to it, mind you he was the only one home all weekend. I can't believe the nerve of some people.

So now I am at a loss. I'm not sure what direction to go from here. One thing I do know is that my roommate will not be using my P5 ever!

My system will consist of the P5, Fisher 400, and Klipsch Forte II speakers. I'm wondering if you guys would have any recommendations of carts to go with? I feel like the Denon was a great sound for the money. I really liked the soundstage it threw out there. I'm tempted to get another one, but am wondering if there is something else out there that would be just as good if not better.

I am thinking I would like to keep my spending to around $500 or so. I only ever listen to rock music for the most part. So I'd love something that would gel with that. I just want something that will make most albums sound nice. I don't need something that will make anything less than an audiophile record sound like garbage. If you guys have any advice on what to do I would so greatly appreciate it.

In the meantime I am going to take a cold shower to keep from strangling my roommate!

Thanks,
-Clipper
theclipper
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Well said, Mofimadness. I didn't have to go through any adjustment period going from the DL160 to the AT150MLX: tonal balance and basic characteristics were similar. The AT150MLX simply gave me much more of everything I already liked, plus a major leap in subtlety and refinement. If the DL160 makes for a good cart/arm match, the AT150MLX probably will be too. Differences in compliance and weight seem to balance each other out.

And consider this: You might be able to remove the stylus whenever you're not using it, preventing your roomie from busting another cantilever. At least you could flip the stylus protector down.

Maybe you need a locking dust cover.
adam18
670 posts
 
Rega Exact 2.......and keep your roomate away.
theclipper OP
27 posts
 
My Rega dealer reccomended the Exact 2, but I have read that is pretty over-price for the performance.

Mofimadness,

I guess I don't understand what you mean when you say the ACE is more laid back? I was wondering if you could elaborate any more on that? I am fairly new to all this so that may have something to do with.

Also, do I have to worry about any of the carts mentioned being too revealing? I just want my records to sound good, I don't want anything less than audiophile vinyl to sound like crap.

Thanks,
-Clipper
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Your roomie is going to burn you again. I'd stick with a cheap replaceable stylus for until you can get a new roomie. A Shure M97 would fit the bill. The other option is to go with an Ortofon OM10. The 20 and 30 are the same cartridge with a different stylus. Keep the 10 on there and simply switch to the better stylus when he's not around???
theclipper OP
27 posts
 
Elevick,

This is a valid option. I just feel like it would be throwing money away as I know I will want a better cart in the future. Also, it seems like it would be shortchanging my P5. After spending the money for the P5 I want to see what it is really capable of. OTOH it is surely throwing money away if my roommate were to trash another cart. I can't wait til I'm out on my own!
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