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78's through the system

I am simultaneously considering ways to upgrade my phono setup, and be able to play 78's on the big rig for the first time. I own a mid-80's Technics SL-1200 with a Benz-Micro Glider M2 going though a conrad-johnson PV-8 w/phono. The first thing to address is either modifying the TT to play 78rpm, or preferrably upgrading to a better TT that can do 78rpm. I have seen that Michell can supply a 78-capable pulley for the Gyrodec, but other suggestions would be welcome. Then I need a tonearm with a removable headshell, and I'm thinking SME, again suggestions helpful. I have no idea what 78 cartridge to look for (I'll keep the Glider for 33/45). And lastly, how imortant will it be to only have RIAA EQ available to me, or will I need to do something in the phono preamp area about that? My entire budget for this project is $3,000 max, whether I go new or used.
zaikesman
gregm
3,415 posts
 
Hi Z: Appropriate cartridge for 78 is ceramic. A detachable is an idea -- but you'll still need to get the geometry right as different cartridges will have different dimensions...
As far as I know, RIAA eq. will do for post WWII 78's...
However, many 78's are best heard at speeds other than 78!! So, adjustable speed facility (with a display if possible) would be VERY useful!
Cheers
jimbo3
304 posts
 
Rega makes a 78 rpm version of the P3 and possibly the P2. Perhaps one could even economically convert a standard P3 or P2 to 78 rpm by changing one or both of the pulleys. Although the P2/P3 headshell is not removable, Gregm correctly points out that, with a removable headshell, you would still need to change VTA when you change to a different headshell/cartridge, which is not exactly convenient.

For $3K, you could get a used P3 AND a Michell and have a few dollars left!

Regards
Jim
brulee
564 posts
 
Hi Zaikesman. How many 78 LPs do you own? How do they compare withh the 331/3 LPs? Are there some great sounding 78s? My parents have quite a few. Thanks for any reply.
Best regards
gthrush1
241 posts
 
One of the less-expensive Clearaudio tables would be perfect for this. I think the "Solution" will support up to three tonearm/cartridge combinations at once.

You could probably get a "Solution table", RB250 tonearm to mate with your Glider, and a second RB250 to mate with a 78 rpm cartridge (like maybe a Grado, there may be others available).

As far as phono preamps go, for the sake of convenience you might want to buy two MS Phonomena's, so that there would be no need to swap cables every time you want to switch which format you're going to play. I don't know how the Phonomena will do with 78, but if you contact MS, I'm sure they can tell you.

If you shop carefully, you _might_ be able to do the whole deal for your $3k max budget. Enjoy!

One cool thing about being able to have three arm.cartridge setups is that later down the road you could add a third RB250 to your rig to support a mono cartridge, as well. I don't know what type of phono preamp would be needed for mono, but I betr MS can tell you...
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