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help with cartridge selection

Hi,
I'm very new and would appreciate any advice.
I have a Garrard 401 and a SME 3009 S2 Improved(fixed headshell.
I have been reading about what cartridge to use with this arm and there are several options. From what I understand if I want to use the SME 3009 S2 Improved without mods I can use a Goldring 1042, or a Shure V15 or a Grado Red or a Shure M97xE as those seems the better matches.
And also some experiences tell that if I wanna use a Denon DL103 with the SME 3009 S2 Improved I need to change the SME plastic bearings for bronze ones and make other mods.

I couldnt find too many comments about how the arm/cartridge combos match with the Garrard 401 specifically. So I would like some advice on what will be the best cartridge for the SME 3009 S2 Improved with a garrard 401.
Thanks,
-bird
birdliver
Post removed 
birdliver OP
21 posts
 
I appreciate all the contributions. I will look for high compliance cartridges and have gotten some advice from Raul, also. I think that there are enough options available without my forcing the issue with the Denon 103/103R with this arm, albeit the consensus that it's an outstanding cart. Thanks everyone, it's been very helpful. Cheers,-bird
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rauliruegas
13,002 posts
 
Dear Bird: +++++ " My guidance was not based on arm/cart resonance calculations, which are only useful for avoiding gross incompatibilities. Actual performance is better assessed by listening. " +++++

Doug is spot-on in the subject.

I agree with Zenblaster on the Goldring 1042 that is very good performer and the " humble " Shure M97 can be even better ( surprising good ) with the Jico SAS stylus replacement.

Regards and enjoy thye music,
Raul.
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