We have a winner! (Nick's last post)
Do I Have the Wrong Cartridge?
I recently got back into playing vinyl on my Linn Axis (fully serviced), but needed a new cart. Since 80% of my listening is on an ARC CD3 and not knowing how often I’ll use the TT, I set a budget of only $300 on a MM and went to my local HiFi shop. They recommended a Rega Elys II.
Now to my problem...I listen to classical music and it sounds awful with this cart; strings and brass are harsh and music sounds thin overall. All my LPs are top class, pressed in Germany and Holland.
To test my TT, I played some Rock albums and they all sounded excellent; great dynamics, wide soundstaging. Records played were a wide variety; Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, Mahavishnu Orch, Kraftwerk.
So I ask you, can a middle of the road cartridge like this Rega only sound good on a particular style of music? I was told this Rega was a good all-around cart and BTW, it’s non-returnable.
Looking for any explanation and advice.
Many thanks.
Now to my problem...I listen to classical music and it sounds awful with this cart; strings and brass are harsh and music sounds thin overall. All my LPs are top class, pressed in Germany and Holland.
To test my TT, I played some Rock albums and they all sounded excellent; great dynamics, wide soundstaging. Records played were a wide variety; Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck, Mahavishnu Orch, Kraftwerk.
So I ask you, can a middle of the road cartridge like this Rega only sound good on a particular style of music? I was told this Rega was a good all-around cart and BTW, it’s non-returnable.
Looking for any explanation and advice.
Many thanks.
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- 52 posts total
Regards, Gentlemen: This page (relating to moving mass): http://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=22894&start=112 as well as the entire thread might be interesting. Peace, |
Hi, it's me again. I consulted with a very knowledgeable man at a HiFi shop. The offering of carts in the $300 range was... Grado Reference Platinum 1 Output 5mV Grado Gold1 Prestige Output 5mV Ortofon Blue Output voltage 5.5 mV Denon DL-110 HOMC Output: 1.6mV, only $139 Many negative reviews on the Grado Gold all stating a hum problem and I also ruled out the Ortofon. The Grado Reference Platinum 1 seems to be the best of the lot, but using my Linn Axis, what are the chances of interference from it's motor? I assume that the hum happens when combining the cart with a particular design TT. The other option is the Denon with a compliance of 15. My tonearm is low mass(don't have specs), so I don't know if they are a match. So, is there any advice out there? |
- 52 posts total