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best mm/mc preamp under $200 and best mc cartridge under $500 for an SME 3009 S2 arm ?

I guess the title says it all.  The arm is on a Linn Sondek LP12.

- Has anyone had any ACTUAL experience with a moving coil cartridge on an SME S2 arm, which is very light and hence needs a hi compliance cartridge ?  $500 is the max I want to spend.  Bass slam & needing extra treble to the point of being too bright  is the most important factor to me.  At my age, my ears are not what they used to be :-)

- Also, can anyone suggest an under $200 mc/mm simple preamp ?

Thanks

cakyol

Showing 1 response by dekay

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,807 posts
 
Google "Audio-Technica VM540ML" which is a MM that sells for around $250.

Considering your tonearm (9.5 grams effective mass) and your stated tonal preference it's a good prospect, IMO.

It's a fairly new entry into their line, but perhaps someone here has tried it (I've only read ambiguous online reviews).

I use an SME 3009II/non-improved with an effective mass of approx. 12.5 grams and would not consider using many/most moving coils with it (wouldn't consider using any of the ones I know of with your 9.5 gram version of the SME arm).

DeKay
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