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Respectfully seek some arm+cartridge advice

First off, thanks to all the wonderful advice flowing thru this forum.I have finally upgraded from my Phase Linear/GAS amp system and joined the audiophiles of the millenium - including back into vinyl.

I purchased a vintage GyroDec with an SME 3010-R and also an upgraded Scout with the JMW-9. Both will need cartridges. I've read what I can (my wife thinks I'm ignoring her) on cartridge selection but don't have a strong sense of what works - which I suspect means most all combos "work", the question is "how well".

So as a neophyte, how do I select a cartridge I will love? I now know MC has a lower voltage output but I think I'm ok there. I know to select a cartridge compatable with the arm's weight - but how?

I figure the simplest thing is to(unnecessarily) spend a lot of money or just ask what everyone's using - which I welcome if they're on similar equipment.

I don't want to spend thousands and I am frugal - so "used" is fine. I need 2 different cartridges and I'd like to keep it under $1,000 yet be happy.

My equipment is decent including a Lexi MC-12 pre, Theta/Dreadnaught amp plus a couple of tube amps and a Mcintosh amp. I purchased a Musical Fidelity phono pre-. Speakers will be Hyperions for HT and I have B&Ws and Definitive Tech's. I have rarely "loved" digital music and I tend to Pink Floyd, Alan Parsons and Rock 'n Roll of the 70s but also classical and jazz.

What I'd love is a primer on what to do if one exists. Failing that, any recommendations welcome - I don't mind trying a number of options and reselling what's not right.

Cheers all,
Kevin
arbrnrngr
hiradi
25 posts
 
Hi from Australia...
Since the Shelter 501 Mk1 appeared on the market ,I have been using that one with great success...than Shelter 501 Mk2 and the Shelter 901...they would go well in your arms...very neutral,yet musical...I than tried the ZYX Airy 2 and prefered it over the Shelter marginally...I agree that the Denon 103 is a bargain and the used market is very dodgy...by the same token ...I just upgraded my rig with a Air Tangent arm which had a Shelter 501 Mk2 in it,very low hours...I replaced it with the ZYX Airy 3...Good deals to be had in the ZYX's range...if you are interested...
Regards
Helmut
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
For your SME 3010-R I agree with Cello, pick up a Denon DL-103R. It should be an acceptable mass and compliance match and it's a wonderful cartridge for the money (<$300). You'll have to hurry, the 103 line is being discontinued.

I also agree with his advice to avoid used cartridges, at least until you have a little experience. It's easier to get burned with a used cartridge than any other component. If you know the seller that's different of course.

Your JMW needs a higher compliance cartridge. Grado's are a possiblity, but they're sensitive to stray EM fields, like leakage from the AC motor on your Scout. Some people have a hum problem with Grado's, some don't. They're also known to have a suspension issue: google on "grado dance" or "grado wiggle" and you'll get a million hits. Personally I can't think of a good reason to risk money with those risks. Dynavector, Audio Technica, ZYX, Benz and quite a few other brands make cartridges that would suit a JMW-9.

The Shelters mentioned by Hiradi would probably blow your budget. Certainly the 901 would, it lists for $1500. The 501MkII ($800) would suit your SME nicely but not the JMW.

Read the vinyl FAQ's on Audio Asylum for a primer on some technical issues. Not everything there is perfect or non-controversial, but it will give you a ton of information to chew on.

http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/d.pl?audio/faq.html#vinyl
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rauliruegas
13,095 posts
 
Dear Kevin: You already have two good TT's/tonearms combos. Now you have to put your money on the source: phono cartridge, try to invest all the money you can on it: remember that that phono cartridge is the transducer for the music reproduction and the better your cartridge the better the quality sound reproduction.
I agree with Aceto: buy one, a really good one, instead of two bad/regular cartridges.
Try to find new or second hand: Benz Micro Ruby 2, Ortofon Kontrapunkt B, Dynavector XX 2, Shelther 501 II or 90X, Benz Micro L 0.4, Sumiko Celebration, Ortofon Jubilee. Any one of these cartridges goes fine with both tonearms, no problem.

If you are serious about music reproduction stay away of the Denon 103 R, this is a garbage of cartridge nothing more nothing less. Don't waist your money and time with that " thing ", and remember, in your current system, the better the cartridge the better the quality of the music/sound reproduction .

Regards and enjoy the music.

Raul.

Ps: " You'll have to hurry, the 103 line is being discontinued ". Dougdeacon: ¡ BRAVO ! Thank's God is being discontinued, in that way it can't do it more harm to anyone.
hiradi
25 posts
 
Hi again from sunny,warm down under...
The "Grado wiggle and dance" sure made me laugh and took me back a lot of years,same with the Denon 103,which I thought was a reasonable honest cartridge...redone by Van den Hul it was very good,which,I suppose,proves in a way what Rauliruegas indicated...it is not up to the current crop of cartridges which have improved a lot...the difference between the ZYX here and the US is simple ,it can be bought here at a reasonable price...the lower range does not give up much to the Airy 3...I sold my Airy 2 for AU$1200-. which was a bargain,same goes for them new,...so Kevin's budget could be achieved and later he can ,if he likes the sound step up to one of the best like the ZYX Airy 3...No,I am not a dealer here,but luckily can get them at a good price...I am after many years yet to find a better cartridge for the price...BTW...my first Shelter lasted 6 years of flogging it with records daily,never had such a good run out of any cartridge and I do hope that the ZYX will do as well...they are both excellent products and neutral...not like a Koetsu...
Regards
Helmut
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Ps: " You'll have to hurry, the 103 line is being discontinued ". Dougdeacon: ¡ BRAVO ! Thank's God is being discontinued, in that way it can't do it more harm to anyone.
LOL. Good one Raul. I think the Denons are excellent performers for their price, but it was funny anyway. I'm glad the new year is starting with such good news for you!
:-)

Helmut,
I totally agree about ZYX vs. Shelter vs. Koetsu. Check out my review of the Airy's if you haven't already. Another good thing: ZYX will retip/rebuild when the time comes. Shelter tells you to throw it away.

Doug
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