2. analog
  3. 1284826376

Phono cartridge for a Technics SL-1200 TT?

I recently unpacked my Technics SL-1200 turntable (the original mark 1 version), which I bought new back in 1974 and used carefully over the years -- but haven't used in more than 10 years. I purchased a Parasound phono amp and a Shure M97-xE cartridge to go along with it (and an Anthem pre-pro and Dali speakers) -- and it sounds pretty good. But, can I do better than the Shure cartridge with this setup? I'd love to listen to more vinyl. Thanks for any suggestions you can give me.
davidwb
jimel84
38 posts
 
I have an SL1200 MK2 and am currently using an Audio-Technica
AT-OC9ML/mk2 and it sounds incredible. It is my first LOMC and I am quite impressed with it. I also have an Nagaoka MP-110 mm that sounds pretty decent and tracks well.

A no brainer would be to get a JICO/SAS stylus for your Shure
M97xe. A lot of people love the combination and you would not have to buy another cartridge. I have a V15 type V with a Jico/SAS stylus and it sounds incredible. It is mounted on my Ar ES1 turntable however.
vinyladdict
164 posts
 
... and now for something completely different!

KEEP the M97xE and replace the stylus with the Jico SAS stylus available from: stylus.export-japan.com

My analog setup is as follows:

TURNTABLE:
KAB/Applied Fidelity/Technics SL-1200MK2SE
- Applied Fidelity Bearing Modification
- Applied Fidelity Cardas Tonearm Rewire
- Cardas HSL PCC-E Headshell Leads
- Vampire RCAs
- KAB TD-1200 Tonearm Fluid Damper
- KAB PS-1200 Outboard Power Supply
- KAB SX-1200 Strobe Disabler
- Gilabend Bren1 Lite Record Weight
- Isonoe Turntable Feet

CARTRIDGE:
- Shure M97xE + Jico SAS Stylus

PHONO STAGE:
- PS Audio GCPH Gain Cell Phono Stage

I have run many many cartridges on this setup including several Audio-Technica, Denon, Garrott Brothers, Nagaoka, and $1,000+ Dynavectors; the lowly $60 Shure M97xE with the $129 Jico is my cartridge of choice.

I'm not one to throw around hyperbole, but the difference between the SAS stylus and the stock stylus is "dramatic" in the truest sense of the word. I seriously doubt you'll want for more. For the first time in a very long time, I don't!
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
09-20-10: Vinyladdict
... and now for something completely different!

KEEP the M97xE and replace the stylus with the Jico SAS stylus available from: stylus.export-japan.com
Are you recommending this, or this?
vinyladdict
164 posts
 
Johnnyb53, it is the first one - the N97xE replacement stylus. The other one is for the Jico MM1 cartridge not the M97xE.
davidwb OP
9 posts
 
Vinyladdict -- I've never changed a stylus before, what's involved? Is it easy, hard? Are there understandable instructions with the Jici SAS?
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