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Cartridge recommendation please...

Jettisoned most of my record albums 20 years ago, but am considering a return to vinyl. I've dusted off my old but fully operational TT and would like to mount a new MM cartridge.

Equipment
Technics SL-1300 Direct Drive turntable
The TT would be mated to a Parasound 200 Pre, with a Parasound 2125v2 amp.
Speakers are PSB Silver i's, with an occasional switch to Vandersteen 1's for variety.
No current plan to add a separate phono preamp.

Sound
Jazz, classic soul/r&b, light rock is my preferred type of music.
I'm OK to trade some bass for better vocals and higher end clarity.
As my A'gon name suggests, I do not listen at elevated levels.

Technical/misc.
The SL-1300 currently has an equally old AudioTechnica cartridge (no obvious markings).
I'd like to target a cartridge in the $300 neighborhood.
Will get an additional headshell for whatever cartridge is purchased.
Any cautions for install, or brands to exclude?
If I've done it correctly, here's a link to the TT owners' manual.
https://usermanual.wiki/Document/technicssl1300OwnersManual.3287426015

I can certainly get recommendations from local retailers, though their choices would be for cartridge brands that they carry. My preference is to use the experience of... and hear from... the wider audience reading this post. Thanks much!
60decibels

Showing 3 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,249 posts
 
chackster

pickering's published specs say life 250-300 hours for their stereohedron stylus which is more in keeping with other specs, it is an 'advanced elliptical' in my opinion.

conical: 150 hrs; elliptical 250 hrs; shibata/line contact 400hrs; SAS micro linear 500 hrs.

roberjerman

My Shure V15VxMR body, I ordered a Jico SAS on boron, there are several replacement options

https://www.jico-stylus.com/product-category/shure/?filter_cartridge-number=V15VxMR

lpgear has many options, including a line contact stylus for the Pickering Cartridges

https://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SRCH

and lp gear sells the Jico's and others for the Shure bodies
https://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SRCH


elliottbnewcombjr
5,249 posts
 
this is an excellent choice in your budget

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm540ml

microline stylus cost more but last much longer, around 500 hours.

I am using the prior version vm440ml actively, and compare it to my Shure V15Vxmr with Jico SAS stylus. I like the Shure brush feature, however The Audio Technica has wider channel separation and tighter channel balance, both important factors involved with imaging.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,249 posts
 
chackster

It's now your fault that I probably will buy one of these,

however, the 3000 says 4.7mv signal, the 4000 says .7mv signal.

file:///C:/Users/ellio/Downloads/ve_pickering_xsv_4000_en.pdf   

Is that a typo? Makes me think of recent MC thread with too weak/too strong issue, looking for SUT with only 5 or 6 x factor.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/best-sut-for-van-den-hul-crimson-stradivarius-cartridge

................................

STYLUS LIFE: I now see what you are saying, however, I still have a hard time believing 1,000. hours.

The OEM instructions I got from Vinyl Engine:

file:///C:/Users/ellio/Downloads/ve_pickering_xsv-3000%20(1).pdf

said 'check' after EVERY 250-300 hours. I just skimmed it quickly, assumed 'replace after' when I saw the #'s which fit most other life expectancy charts.
.............................................

Stereohedron Shape

It's unique, but not a line-contact/shibata/sas/micro-linear correct? that's why I think of it as an 'advanced elliptical' although that doesn't sound 'special enough'.. I've never seen a true comparison, perhaps you know of one.

It has incredible 35db channel separation. I don't see a channel balance rating.




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