Compatibility question


I have an AR XA Turntable with the factory arm and head shell. The head shell has a broken tab and needs to be replaced. When I find the new head I want to mount a Supex Mc 900 Super Cartridge to it and will be using a Yamaha C-4 pre-amp with a Phono setting for Mc cartridges. My question is are all of these components compatible?

kpatt

Showing 4 responses by jasonbourne71

If you will be using a replica headshell then you will not be able to properly align any cartridge. That's a problem with the AR headshell. It only as a fixed position for the two mounting screws. No adjustment for tracking angle and overhang is possible. When the AR appeared (1964) hardly anybody gave thought to proper alignment. I have a nicely modded AR from Vinyl Nirvana. The stock arm tube was replaced with a Technics arm tube and removable headshell. This allows proper alignment. I suggest you remove the AR arm and send it to Vinyl Nirvana for the arm tube replacement. Otherwise you will experience excessive tracking distortion.

The Supex cartridge and Yamaha preamp will work well without problems.

I don't think such a headshell exists. It would be a major improvement. The rest of the arm  mechanism is good. Replacing that is a major operation. 

You can look up Baerwald, Lofgren and Stephenson alignments. These are all based upon sound mathematical engineering studies. 

 

Not a complete disaster. Since it is a pivoted arm the areas of maximum distortion are at the start and end of an LP. With proper alignment there will be a broader area at the center where distortion is lowest. The farther off the alignment the smaller this area is and distortion at the start and end greater. I would make the effort to maximize alignment, especially if you plan long term use of the AR.