2. analog
  3. 158444-146675

Does it improve the sound of a MM or MI cartridge by playing it through a phono stage?

I've been hearing about these old inexpensive Japanese cartridges getting rave reviews and I was wondering if they sound better if played through a phono stage as MCs do. Of course this would be at the standard 47K ohms load.

I have an Acutex LPM 412STR with the original and replacement stylus and would like to know how it would sound best. It was inexpensive (a long time ago), but might be an interim option if I have to get my regular cartridge serviced. I upgraded it about 9 years ago to a Van den hul One Special and thought the VDH was much better sounding with a Rega P5 played through the phono section of a Plinius 8200MKII integrated amp. Since then, I purchased a Sutherland Insight phono stage that has settings for the VDH (200 ohms) and a 47K ohm load for the Acutex, along with 3 or 4 others.
sokogear

Showing 1 response by wolfie62

wolfie62
352 posts
 
I’ve got several AcuTex carts. All this hoopla and hand-wringing about preamps, over a clone of an AT cart!

Really?? 

The Acutex carts are just unauthorized copies of run-of-the-Mill AT carts. Instead of V magnets, it has mumetal “Mickey Mouse” ears. It uses the identical cantilever suspension as used on AT carts. 

In fact, Audio Technica sued the parent Japanese maker of AcuTex carts, Azden, in 1985, over patent infringement.

The “3rd” pole of the AcuTex “Tri-Pole” design is nothing but a cheap gimmick. They do NOTHING! The cantilever is hard mounted; there is no axial movement!!

Cheaper just to buy an AT cart. They sound and perform the same!

Such a lame thread here. 

Sorry! But not sorry.
More to discover