VPI Classic Cartridge Help

>09-05-10: Sounds_real_audio
I would suggest you upgrade to the Karate. It is a cartridge that far surpasses its modest price range<<

Well first, soundsreally is a Dynavector retailer and needs to disclose a financial interest when recommending a product he sells.

And second, it's Karat not Karate.

You'd think a retailer would know his line well enough to identify the product correctly.

Or not.

Dealer disclaimer

The AT 33 EV is even better than the OC 9 and is occasionally available at J&R for $400. I currently have a Denon 304 in my Classic.

The Classic will come with a Stylus Force Scale (Shure), and a VPI Cartridge Alignment Jig. If you can set up a Cartridge like the Ortofon Blue, you could set up a Koetsu Coralstone as well.

If you've liked the Ortofon Blue, found it's output adequate for the Whest, then perhaps swap it onto the VPI, or one could move up the Ortofon line with a similar output? (Black, or?)

Actually none of us savor the thought of Cartridge set up, it is time consuming, and very delicate work with a possibility of Fubar, especially with a Unipivot Arm, which balances on the head of a single Pin Pivot.

If you do feel safer though, letting a dealer set it up, I would at least ask them if you could perhaps be present to watch-witness installation/set up, so you have an understanding of what is being done, and why.

The more you know about your table-arm, the better. Mark

Could someone provide a link to J&R? This is not the first time I've seen them referenced. Looks like they have good prices.

TIA

www.jr.com