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Conical cartridge question

I have been experimenting with an el cheapo AT conical for my at times challenging used LP scores... And surprisingly... Soundwise...its fairly competitive... Not a smooth, defined sound...kinda dry but energetic...and decent detail..and the bonus...very quiet background...however tracking is problematic...outside of Denon...who makes a current production conical that tracks well and sounds good for lower cost? I'm hesitant to go DJ carts..shure/Stanton..or should I be?
128x128phasecorrect
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect OP
2,013 posts
 
Black pearl by sumiko?...anybody try it?
fleib
1,124 posts
 
Phasecorrect,
AT has a new cart with a spherical tip. It's the 5V. The motor is similar to a 150MLX and it seems to be made for med mass arms. The stylus is interchangeable with modern 100 series (100E, 440ML, 150MLX, 7V) so it could possibly be used for your better pressings as well. It's $94 at Lp Gear.
The AT7V is a .2 x .7 elliptical also for med/heavy arms. It has a higher inductance motor so the sound tends to be more full bodied, sweeter. With the body you prefer you could substitute styli as appropriate.

From what you say about the Pearl I think you prefer laid back, and the 7V body might be more to your liking. It's been my experience that the AT carts have greater detail/resolution top to bottom, but must be loaded and matched properly. You didn't mention arm and preamp, but AT's want less than 200pF total capacitance load.

What cheap AT do you have now?
Regards,
thinker10
1 posts
 
For your info Shure still make the M44-7 and M44G

Just don't worry about the DJ markething thing

Theey are basically the same since 1963 except when they were discontinued them for a short time a few years ago.

In my opinion the best new vintage cartridge

Real vintage stylus can be even better if the rubber suspension is still ok.
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