2. analog
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Any one old enough to remember?

30 or so years ago when I was a grad student I bought a Thorens TD125MK-II turntable and mounted a "Formula 4" arm and a Sonus Blue cartridge on it. After storing it a number of years, I've set it up again and rediscovered my record collection - some horrors and some delights. Since I've recently upgraded my... well, I admit it, everything else... I'm now faced with a decision. Do I replace my elderly cartridge? the cartridge and arm? the whole thing?

Anyone been around long enough to remember anything about this arm and cartridge to know wheher it is worth keeping the arm and replacing the cartridge, or to advise me on how well my old Thorens (which still maintains its speed after a belt transplant) is likely to stack up against newer stuff? I've read a number of the other analog threads, but not seen this particular issue addressed.

Your collective wisdom would be most appreciated. Let's say for the sake of conversation that my budget for a completely new setup could be $1500-2000.

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lfb44

Showing 1 response by grandpad

grandpad
151 posts
 
The Mayware Formula 4 and Sonus Blue made a great combo, I still have mine boxed away as well. Like a number of other contributers I would have to believe that the cartridge is a bit suspect now, but let your ears be the judge.

This arm restricts you to low mass, high compliant cartridges, perhaps something in the Goldring line. Grado may be an option, but some say that they hum with metal platters, which the Thorens has if memory serves.
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