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cartridge for Nottingham spacedeck / spacearm ho

Any recommendations for a cartridge for a Nottingham spacedeck / space arm. I had heard great things about ZYX and was looking at their lower line (bloom fuji), but I believe my audio research ph2 phono pre needs a high output cartridge. SHelter looks low output as well. Looking for something with good presence and engaging (slight lean to warmth over analytical, that would mate well with the spacedeck, thanks. Last cartridge was a Sumiko BLue Point Special I didn't care for. Budget 1k ish.

would it be worth getting a step up pre?

thanks
Tom
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Showing 2 responses by queg

queg
55 posts
 
I went from a Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood MM to a Zyz Fuji MC on my Spacedeck. The most obvious differences were microdynamics (or perhaps more delineation of individual dynamics for each instrument or sound?), as well as greater tonal richness and dimensionality to each instrument/sound.

I'm using Lundahl step ups, which sound fine and cost alot less then the Bent Mu's.
queg
55 posts
 
I had the high gain version of the Fuji (I've since upgraded to a low output Airy 3x). The Lundahls are from K&K. I hardwired them into a Hagerman Cornet phono pre. It was not difficult, but you'll also want to think about soldering in the right value resistors in parallel to your existing (I assume) 47k resistors so the cartridge will see its recommended load. There's more about cartridge loading and on the K&K website.

I'm using a Nottingham "The Foot" , a 12" arm that was a precurser to the Ace Anna arm. I was advised, and now I believe, that this arm doesn't do full justice to the Airy 3x.

I've since upgraded my phono preamp to a K&K Phono SE, which is very good (and uses the same Lundahl stepups).
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