Ortofon X3 X5 MC Cartridges

I had an X3 for several years in a Linn Ittok. I found it a good tracker - never heard mistracking on any record I played - and was overall a good midclass cartridge. Just follow directions, no special setup necessary. I do use the HFN/RR test record to set up. At the time the other hioutput'coil choices were limited to the Dynavector 10X which was so bright it gave me a migraine - unlike recent production.

Thanks for the feedback. I recently bought a Technics SL-1200MK2 and am modifying it for high end use. Pretty much my choices w/in the midclass range come down to the Shure V15 V, the Ortofon X3/5 and the Audio Technica OC 9 low output MC. I have an excellent but old low output MC preamp which has a very narrow range (0.03-0.05 mV input voltage). I want to make a good choice. Thanks again.

No matter what I have said it is HARD to go wrong with the latest Shure, although the previous version is said to be more accurate in the bass region. The Shure will track just about anything. What arm are you using?

hi psychic, i have good sound w/my ortofon mc25-fl - a great tracking low-output mc. retailing for $450, the needle dr. has 'em perpetually on sale for $225. i have a symphonic-line re-tipped lyra clavis that i still haven't tried yet, cuz i enjoy the ortofon...

regards, doug s.

Sedond, you're the man...That's the cartridge Kenny from Needledoctor told me to get for my Technics 1200/Biotronics low output MC preamp combo I have. Glad to know. Kenny says that for our TTs (he owns a 1200 also) the X3 and MC 25 MK II are the cartridges to own if you listen to all types of music. I'm getting there...just need a line livel preamp to match my dynamic, jumpy and high current Proton 50W dual mono amp. Any suggestions?