Ceramic cartridge phono stage options?


A good friend is wanting to try a ceramic cart on one of his many tables. The biggest issue is finding a phono stage that can handle the carts particular requirements. We have read countless forms post with no real solution other then DYI'ing a phone stage for it. Add to that no one can seem to come to a solid design that more then one person can agree on. 

Do any of you have expedience with ceramic carts and their particular requirements? Is their an off the shelf phono stage for them anywhere out in internet land? 

glennewdick

Showing 2 responses by rar1

Testing my memory from working with my dad in his repair shop some 50 plus years ago.  

First you need to acquire a ceramic cartridge.  Not being funny with you.

Ceramic cartridges, also referred to as crystals or pick-ups,  were on the least expensive record players.  Ceramic cartridges look nothing like a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge.  Most had a flip over record needle.  Sapphire needle for 78’s and Diamond needle for LPs and 45s.  

Picture 1 of 5

 

Lloyd’s BSR record changer finished product

 

Not the best cartridges for optimal sound or record wear for that matter.  There is no phono stage, as we use the phrase.  Just plug your record player into your receiver or amplifier.  No RIAA standardization curve to compensate for.  

https://www.turntableneedles.com/Record_Player_Phono_Cartridges-Ceramic  

This forum is getting interesting.  First a post about an Electrophonic compact stereo.  Now a post about ceramic cartridges.   

Good luck.  Come back with more questions.

Rich 

@pindac - thank you for the link.  Wish my dad were alive to add to this.

 

The 'Chief' in his shop, resting his arm on a Philco record player table top console.