2. analog
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broken dreams - new cartridge help please!

I need help on selecting a replacement MC cartridge. Two years ago I put together my first serious vinyl system:

- Transfiguration Axia S MC cartridge
- VPI Scout 2 with upgraded heavy platter and JMW 10 tonearm
- EAR 83P preamp
- Line Magnetic LM-211 IA tube amp
- Legacy Studio HD Monitor speakers

Note I listed the cartridge first - I did a lot of research and perhaps spent an inordinate amount on it, but I got an amazing deal from a EU vendor from Audigon ($1100US - new in box). Loved the set up! Sound was better than I thought possible :-)

Now the sad part - last week my house cleaner snapped the cantilever off while dusting :-(. I had told her to leave the stereo to me to dust, but I guess the desire to clean what I hadn't for some time got the better of her. As the 10 JMW sticks out a bit from the VPI base and the acrylic dust cover no longer fits, it was exposed. Unfortunately, the plastic cantilever guard was such a difficult fit that I was more afraid of snapping the cantilever off trying to put it on and take off that I never used it.

I checked with Needle Doctor about replacing but as I suspected they cannot. I have emailed Immutable/Transfiguration but no response :-(

Sorry for the long preamble, but I had to commiserate with some one who might feel for me (my wife doesn't get it- she is happy listening to an Amazon Echo Plus).

Checking current prices on the Axia reveal $2450 new, $1600 used. Currently cannot afford that. I need to come in under $1000. Need some help from you more experienced audiophiles out there! My listening tastes are a bit eclectic, but center on rock and blues. Want to stick with a low output MC.

Here are some that I have been considering:
- Ortofon Quintet Black S MC
- Audio-Technica AT33Sa
- Dynavector 20X2L
- Sumiko Blackbird Low MC

I know some of these may retail over $1k, but I am not adverse to a low hour used cartridge or scouring the net for good deals.

Any help on the above options or alternatives would be very much appreciated :-)

Thanks, Rick.
rykk999
58 responses Add your response
frogman
7,441 posts
 
I can’t imagine how anyone could do better than this for the money.  Sounds very good in my system.  No affiliation with seller:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Azden-YM-P50VL-ultimate-performance-cartridge-same-as-Empire-875XLT-RARE/31...

pops
2,273 posts
 
Thanks Frogman. I notice it is a P mount. I have a standard slotted head shell, clip mount, Basis Vector 4.
frogman
7,441 posts
 
Mine came with the p-mount to standard 1/2in mount, L bracket adaptor; works well.  
pops
2,273 posts
 
This one does not.  I am however curious to try MM or MI.  My phono preamp has a 75K ohm setting for MM's - curious about that too.
frogman
7,441 posts
 
Well, adaptors are easily available and inexpensive.  LP Gear sells a better than average one.  Re 75K:  As you probably know some MM enthusiasts claim 100k is ideal.  I’ve always stuck with 47k.  75k might be interesting.  
rykk999 OP
10 posts
 
Hi folks- time for an update. I am not super happy with the Axia repair. Maybe I am just biased now, and without anything else to compare the sound to, maybe it’s hard to judge. Regardless, it is time to try something new. I think I would like to try a good MM with the EAR 834P - I am open to trying something vintage, but not coming up with availability on the ones mentioned above. For new MM is have seen good reviews on the Vessel 3SM.
https://www.lpgear.com/product/THEVESSELR3SM.html
Any comments on this one? Or other recommendations? I am curious to try the EAR834P with MM setting.

I expect to also get another MC, thinking about the AT-ART9? Or also hearing good things about the soundSmith zephyr, which I understand is considered a good match for my vpi table.

Appreciate any help, particularly if you have experience with the EAR834P.
billwojo
397 posts
 
"I need to find a way to ensure it doesn't happen again... any ideas welcome!"
Just introduce the pay roll deduction plan to your cleaning lady and let her know what that cartridge cost. She won't even vacuum near it!
BillWojo

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
I think I would like to try a good MM with the EAR 834P - I am open to trying something vintage, but not coming up with availability on the ones mentioned above.

@rykk999
If you want something serious under $700, not just a waste of time and money on average modern MM, then look for vintage Audio-Technica AT-ML150 OCC, Stanton SC-100 WOS or 980, Pickering XSV-3000 or higher number models. Maybe Grace F-9, Victor X-1IIe, Sony XL-50.

Those cartridges are definitely superior to almost everything in MM field you can find today. The reason is the best motors, the coil wiring like AT's OCC, the cantilever (often Boron and Beryllium), the stylus tip (often MicroLine, Stereohedron). And the price for them all is something like $400-700.

it depends on the arm, but AT, Victor, Sony are mid compliance and fine almost for any tonearm. The Stanton, Pickering, Grace are high compliance and better on lightweight arms.

Hope it will help


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