Dyscoveries on Dyna, Denon, Supex, Technics,FR,Ik
Dear Blowfin: It could be a very good match but the trouble is that the Technics 205CMK3 comes with integral headshell and your tonearm can't take it. I don't know if the Technics cartridge could be take out of its headshell, but you can ask to the seller about. My 205 comes stand alone and is wonderful performaer. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Hi Raul. I was so lucky to come across three MMC20CL. Two nearly new, and one with 200 h on it's back. So I bought them all (of course), and now I am trying one of them out in my Hadcock arm. I can definitly hear it's inherent qualities, coherence and musical flow, but it's got a lot of "SSSS". Have you found an arm that mtaches good with the cartridge? I know it was designet for a linear tracker, so maybe it's just very sensitive to tonearm adjustments. BTW: Very fascinating with that see thru sapphire cantilever :-) Theo |
Dear Theo: Good for you, now you have cartrige spare for a long time!!!!! I try my MMC 20CL on Dynavector 505 and in the Audiocraft AC3300 ( with its own universal B&O plastic headshell. ), it sounds very good on both tonearms and I did not experience that " SSSSS" . More than the tonearm that SSSS could disappear when the suspension settle down or with " minute " changes on VTA/VTF. Theo do you have the trouble with all those three cartridges? Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear friends: I think that I have some good news. Like I posted I was/will testing two other MM Empire cartridges that I get in NOS conditions: the 900GT and the 600LAC. The 900GT and 600LAC show/share many/several sound characteristics of the EDR.9 and 750LTD cartridge " brothers " and if you heard it there is almost no differences at least not big ones. Both have very good tonal balance with a very natural timbre all over the frequencies, bass with very good pitch and tightness and transparent high frequencies with out any over-bright or hash, with very good image/focus and “ live “ soundstage, very good trackers too, etc etc. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Hi Raul Regarding the MMC20CL, I found that the "SSSS" are only present on some records, often 80's pressings. I also share your impression on the 900GT. Overall much of the same sound as the EDR.9. Maybe a little bit more details. If we shall spilt hairs, I would prefer the EDR.9 for it's overall musical presentation. I have now tried the EDR.9, 900GT and B&O MMC20CL on my Hadcock 242. I really like all of them. The Empires have an overall good tonal balance, are full of life, and I have really enjoyed a lot of music when listening to them. The MMC20CL sounds much more detailed and refined. In my system, a bit dark character, but I think it could achieve more in another tonearm. All inn all I have so far enjoyed the exploration of NOS MM carts a lot. And most important, I have enjoyed and discovered new music with them. They are great musical communicators. Theo |
Dear Theo: Well that could means that it is not a fault on the MMC20CL cartridge. Regarding the Empire cartridges I really like it all of them and is hard to say which one between the 900GT or EDR.9, both are great ones. Btw, you must try the 600LAC is outstanding too. +++++ " All inn all I have so far enjoyed the exploration of NOS MM carts a lot. And most important, I have enjoyed and discovered new music with them. They are great musical communicators. " +++++ I totally agree and that is all about. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
EMpire + loading: Raul & other Empire cartridge amateurs: what loading do you use for them? I have a 2000e/3 and cannot find the inductance specs anywhere.... It sounded congested at 47kOhm / 200pF. Lowering resistance to half made it very slow sounding but smooth; around 35kOhm things are better, but I still feel I'm shooting in the dark. Maybe lowering the capacitance would help further? Any pointers? Thanks |
I got two replacement styli for the LTD 750, the elliptical one from turntableneedles (see above) and this one from JICO. Though the page shows a translucent blue stylus carrier and says the manufacturer is Empire, it turns out the carrier is opaque black and there's no indication that it's actually made by Empire--no lettering on the stylus guard, etc. Still, it fits the cart body fine and sounds great. Maybe a bit better bass than the original, maybe a bit more sibilance. Very happy to know I can continue to use this excellent cart as long as JICO's around. Next I'll try the elliptical one--which _is_ translucent blue, by the way. |
Dear friends: All this time testing/trying those great MM cartridges ( a lot of fun !!!! ) show/teach me that I have to try harder with my MC cartridges to obtain/improve its quality performance and one MC where I already do it was in my Dyna XV-1 ( not the XV-1s that IMHO I think it has an inferior quality performance against the XV-1. ) that is an all time favorite of mine, well I try it on several tonearms: SME IV, Triplanar, Ikeda 407, Micro Seiki 282, Audiocraft AC-4400 ( straight arm wand ), Lustre GST-801 and Dyna 505 ( that was the XV-1 history matching tonearm order, each time I achieve an improvement. ). From a few months to now I'm using the Audiocraft AC-3300 with and S shaped wand with a removable headshell ( testing different MM cartridges. ) and I decided to try the XV-1 on it and this was/is a great choice / the best for the XV-1 , what can I say? other that I never be/been nearer to the music with any other cartridge/tonearm combination ( in my system or other audio system ) that these days with the XV-1/AC-3300, I'm " shocked " about for say the least because what I'm hearing is really near the live event/recording and let you to enjoy the music ( not the hardware ) as never/ever I/you be/been experienced. It is something really hard to explain on words due to the very high feelings(emotions that " wake up " hearing the XV-1/AC-3300 wonderful couple. I have to say that I never imagine that the XV-1 could be so damm good!!!!!!! Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
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So I tried the turntableneedles.com stylus for the LTD 750 (it's translucent blue, you may recall). I had some trouble--it sounding very garbled, but I kept removing and reseating it and it finally sounded better. It doesn't sound nearly as refined as the Jico one (a line contact--the turntableneedles one is elliptical). And it seemed to be turning up so much bass energy it would feed back to the turntable and skip (maybe this is just the quality of the stylus causing the skips, too). Oh, and the cantilever's kinda off center. It is on the Jico, too, but not so much. Still & all, it would do in a pinch. I'm just glad I have the Jico, which just keeps sounding better. |
Dear Theo: B&O MMC20CL: +++++ " In my system, a bit dark character, but I think it could achieve more in another tonearm. " ++++++ Yes you are right. I was playing it in the Audiocraft AC3300 with very good performance ( nothing near " little dark " ) but now that the AC3300 belongs to the XV-1 I return the MMC20CL to the Dyna DV-505 and its sounds is no less than spectacular: great tonal balance, natural timbre, transparent all over the frequency, very good bass and believle soundstage, I like it a lot!!!! I agree with you that this cartridge is more refined than the Empires and yes is " fun " to see through the saphire cantilever. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear Matt: Well, first I think that you have to give it at least 30 hours of play, then you can " play " a little with VTA/VTF and if these can't fix it then maybe your tonearm is not a good match for the EDR.9. Btw, what do you mean with " too much bass ", where is the problem or why do you think in that way? Regards and enjoy the music. Raul |
Dear friends: Well this is not a surprise because I already try more than four Empire cartridges and all of them are very good ones but this time I tested/try it one with very low price/inexpensive ( 120.00 )the model: 500 ID, its specifications are great ( for say the least ), example: bandwidth from 6Hz to 35,000Hz!!!!!!!, of course that what is interesting is how it sounds and " sounds " really fine: I don't know how a too inexpensive cartridge can give us this very high quality sound reproduction. Recommended !!! Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear friends: I mount/change my B&O MMC20CL to the Micro Seiki MAX237 tonearm and perform better than in the Dynavector 505 and in some ways similar than in the Audiocraft AC3300 but overall this cartridge sounds really fine/great in the MAX237. I think that Theo ( Freshpuma ) bought three of these cartridges and no one above 250.00 and this MMC20CL B&O cartridge model ( IMHO )outperform cartridges in the 2K-3K price level, a desired item. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
The FIDELITY RESEARCH FR702, above, is exceptional - in the right arm. It can be - with care - taken out of its headshell and mounted in any heavy arm...I suspect the Ikeda would be brilliant. I used it in a Mission Mechanic and a Zeta, each sounding exceptionally good. Mine was damaged by houseguests whilst I was away from home and in a fit of pique I threw it out. My fault! I now use an equally old Kondo Audio Note Io from the very first few he made. I often wish that I had my 702 back again! |
Dear Impulseh2: I miss your post, sorry for that. Yes, I agree with you the 702 is an exeptional performer. Normally I use it in the MAX 282 where performs ( till today at its best ). +++++ " It can be - with care - taken out of its headshell " +++++ this is a " new/fresh notice " to me, I appreciate if you could share with us how do you make it? ( other that with care ). Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
I followed most of the threads about the EDR9 and my experience does not quite agree. The French source did not show up and after a month he gave me a refund. ( Two weeks later it showed up and I paid him) I mounted it on an MMF5, Thorens 190, and other various turntables and while it sounded very good, did not blow me away on the classical that is usually played. I have several 2000 series Empires and interestly enough the heart shaped shaft on the 2000 series fits the EDR9 exactly! I tried a red 2000 series stylus which I believe was a .2 x .7 elliptical and noticed little difference with the EDR9 stylus. (believe the Red and clear 2000 series are quite a few steps up from the basic 2000 black) Contrary to one thread, the EDR stylus is actually a LC type sylus and not elliptical. We do not have high end phono preamps i.e. MMF phono pack and a Harmon Kardon 125 watt per channel receiver with a built in phono pre-amp but have been more impressed with other cartridges like the Goldring 1042, Sumiko BP Special, Shelter 201 (basically a Sumiko Black Pearl),Clearaudio Beta S (Basically an AT95 with a better stylus), a Stanton 881S and yes, an AT95 and various Ortofons including the 5,10,30 etc.,Though these are all different price ranges and my hearing and set up skills are not bad, I ended up reselling the EDR9 on Audiogon or Ebay for the $80 or so that I paid for it. If one can find an Empire 2000S or 2000Z ,NOS, I believe the sound experience may be similar to what some have experienced with EDR9, though they are an older style. The newer Empire plastic bodies 150, 350 500 series do not compare well with the older metal body 2000 types or the EDR9,in my experience. Empires generally sound better on same generation turntables and that is why they were so popular at the time ,though not the detail and timbre of some of the current generation stuff. Yes,the EDR9 is a nice cartridge but was not impressed enough to keep it. Sorry to swim upsteam and no intention to denigrate other opinions about this unit. I'm currently running a REGA P3/2000 with a Goldring 1042 which is close to perfection for me. (Have the EasyRiser set at 2MM and not sure its right yet.) I prefer MM or high output MC though I have a lovely old NIKKO Beta 30 which will run just about any low output MC. I'm not into the high end stuff which started the original thread but certainly respect everything I've read here. . |
Dear Glrickaby: Like almost all cartridges its performance is system dependent specially on the tonearm. Other subject is the set-up that like Travbrow share with us the EDR.9 is very sensitive. I never had the opportunity to hear/heard any 2000 model only the 4000 and some of the plastic bodies like: 600LAC, 750Limited and the 100GT, all of them IMHO are very good cartridges along the EDR.9. Of course that are better cartridges or cartridges with different quality performance that match better our music sound reproduction priorities. Other that in my own system I had the opportunity to heard the EDR.9 in other friend's system ( very good one ) mate it with VPI TT/tonearm and its performance for I what remember was very good. Now, I agree with you about the Goldring 1042 that is very good cartridge, I owned for 4 months and I change it for the Reson Reca ( both are build for the same manufacturer ): look to have the opportunity to hear the Reson that as good the 1042 is the Reca is more refined and with better natural tonal balance, at least in my experience. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
As an Alternative to the EDR9, I just purchased ten (10) NOS Empire A22ME's which will arrive in a few days. I'm listing some for sale on Audiogon but want to compare the differences between this unit and the EDR9. After breakin, the A22ME has amazing detail and transparency, even at low volumes. On a Schubert String Quartet, it even activated my subwoofer so the base is excellent. To my ears, it sounds as good or better than the EDR9, though with some quality differences in the cartridge itself. One is, the tapered stylus is a .2 x 7 Biradial where the EDR9 has a L.A.C. stylus. With the EDR9, it can be used for Quadrophonic whereas the A22ME cannot. The .2 x .7 stylus with Empire is always higher quality and used in the 2000Z and 2000T which were their best in the metal jacket type. The A22ME has slightly higer output at 5.0 MV and the stylus itself is the 2 prong later style that Empire used rather than the single prong with the heart shape on the EDR9. The tracking angle is 20 degrees which many manufacturers went to late in the cycle. The A22ME can track at 1.25 compared to 1.5 for the EDR9. Compliance is 20 x 10 cm/dyne, less than the EDR9 and not all that high, though I detect no tracking or inner groove problems at all. The frequency response is close on both units with the EDR9 being at 20-35,000 hz and the A22ME being at 7-33,000 hz, a slight difference.The A22E will probably work best on a light or medium tone arm such as a newer Thorens-Dual or any of the Regas. If you need a EDR9 replacement, at half the price or less, you will be pleasantly suprised by the A22ME's that are listed on Audiogon. I intend to keep a few in my vault (ha) for the future. This is not a typical Empire ! |
Dear friends: I want to re-take one of the original thread subjects: Supex SDX 2200R, for more than a year I don't work/play with this MC cartridge and between other things I just mounted on my Audio Technica AT-1010 with an AT MG10 headshell, well I knew is a very good cartridge but I really stay short about because it's a great one and thinking that a few months ago a gentleman from Europe ask me if I want to sale him and I was at " seconds " to say yes: fortunatelly I did not. If you see it my advise is that get it /buy it. The other one that I want to comment again is the Fidelity Research 702, the performance of this MC cartridge is awesome/ fabulous for say the least even is hard for me to say which today cartridge could beat it, is that good. Btw, I offer it ( I own two ) to an audio friend that in that moment was buying a Koetsu Coral ( that I only heard very brief once ) and that own the right tonearm to the 702 and he friendly refuse, I know that some times is more important to go for a today cartridge than for a " old " design with out warranty, well IMHO the 702 surpass overall the Coral ( that's a good performer and that like other audio friend told me: " this is the best non Koetsu signature performer ". ) and maybe some of the ones you own/owned. I put this example only because I want to tell you ( all of you ) that if we are looking for a better quality performance there are some very good options like these kind of second hand MC cartridges that it is interesting to try, mostly because are " inexpensive " against the today " running " cartridges, I know there is something the risk that the second hand cartridges come with a failure but over time I never found any trouble with my second hand cartridges I own, maybe I'm lucky enough. Anyway, take the " adventure " and find one of those many old " jewels " out there that are claiming for you. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
I have to give Raul credit.At least he is taking a "well intentioned" stand in favor of educating some "open minded" hobbyists that good sound does not automatically have to cost alot of money!! I have a friend who owns,and loves the Koetsu Coral Stone.He feels it is superb on vocal material(he bought it at a large discount,from what I have been told).In all other areas the feeling is there are cartridges that do almost everything as well or better,for alot less!Yet,the Coral is KING on vocals,according to him.The design is also "rediculously" over-priced,IMO!BUT,the Coral body IS gorgeous.I've got to admit that....now "think" about "this hobby",and the various product offerings!!!! Common sense(something Raul has in abundance,these days)tells us we pay dearly for the silly fancy bodies,on Koetsus(or the special materials on many other costly products,that "mostly" look like designer stuff).YES,they are superb cartridges!Can they be "almost" matched for little cost?Do I have to answer that? Btw,I've owned and loved four different Koetsus a while ago....Black,Onyx,Onyx Platinum,Urushi....I liked all of them,but would not pay the down right stupid prices of the better? designs today!!!. You want to get great sound,at "real world" prices,that we can all afford? Keep reading Raul's posts!!! The guy has our best interests at heart. |
Dear Sirspeedy: Well those Koetsu's stones bodies are beautiful in the same way that the " old " Kiseki ones and we are paying for that. Normally the build/construction beauty of a cartridge unfortunately is not the main subject on the cartridge quality performance but more a part of the marketing manufacturer strategy. Anyway I like those body " beauties ". Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear Raul, Just a quick note to share a recent experience. As you know, I have been less than enamoured with my Allaerts MC2 Finish Gold preferring both my Dynavector XV1s and (amazingly, given costs) Nagaoka MP-50. Well, I still love the "being there" experience afforded by these two champion cartridges. Interestingly on this point, I had an audiophile friend stay for the weekend and when I played the Allaerts and Nagaoka, he assumed that the Nagaoka was the more expensive of the two. His words: "it just sounds like live music. No one part is better than the other. It's just all so real." When I told him of the price differential he said: "What the f*+&! No way!?" Anyway, despite this point I should stress that I have recently set the Allaerts up in my Ikeda IT-407 silver wired tonearm and have finally got it, as it were (Eureka). I think the use of Dr. Feikert's kit is an essential move for any cartridge owner, but even more so for the Allaerts owner such as me: given the inaccuracies with the provided Ikeda template. Even more importantly though is the SRA and tracking force. It has to be set up at 1.80g exactly (environmental temperature and conditions obviously playing their part here) or you miss so much. Anyway, I now do understand the Allaerts and am appreciating its strengths. It is special (whether or not any cartridge justifies these prices not withstanding) needs care in set up. When set up properly my three tonearms now carry the Allaerts, XV1s and Nagaoka. All different, all excellent. The top end on the latter two is VERY special as is the ambience and midrange on the Allaerts. Your help continues to inspire |
Btw Raul,or anyone else...Just to clarify---- I DO realize one must pay for design and developement of a particular product,so of course some components are priced accordingly. However I'm just not prepared to go "lock step" with some of the silly pricing this hobby has gotten famous for. That does not mean I have not,or will not pay dearly for stuff I want.I certainly have,and will most likely do so in the future,BUT I am getting very "guarded" about some pricing of certain products. Best |
Dear Sirspeedy: I agree with you. IMHO I think that everyone of us ( the ones that are whealthy enough ) can/could paid almost any amount for something that we want it and that we really know its quality performance is according to its price. The problem is that are a lot of audio items where its price is not justified against its quality performance, eample: Air Tight PC-1 cartridge that I heard it in several different systems ( including mine ) and its quality performance is really poor against its price. I read in some other thread that this manufacturer goes out with a lower output cartridge model at higher price and you know what: many people are going to buy it thinking that it will be a better performer but like almost always ( when the item design is not first rate ) a month latter many of those Air Tight cartridge owners will face the real reallity: not better but different. Anyway, one way or the other everything could be part of the audio fun. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
WOW!!!! Raul,that is quite a surprise,about the Air Tight!! I am "almost" speechless!!! -:) I have no idea,since I've not heard the PC-1,but do concur with those who follow a particular philosophy.That is,to attempt to "voice" a set-up towards a "sonic signature",which I like and can live with,for the long haul. However,since I attempt to hear a few good set-ups fairly frequently,my "opinions" on my own system's signature is a "moving target" (stalled for the last year,as you know,but not for much longer). If I can pinch a little better sound,here and there,I am willing to do so,with-in reason.I've surprised myself often,because there are many ways to "adjust",and I'm always learning. Hope this makes sense |
Dear Sirspeedy: A lot of sense. +++++ " .I've surprised myself often,because there are many ways to "adjust",and I'm always learning. " +++++ this is all about to improve our home systems growing up on our audio " learning curve " that almost is endless. A quality home system top performance does not comes " free " at random almost always we have to achieve it with in deep overall know how, patience and hard work. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear Piedpiper: Overall is a little on the bright side and with a little overhang ( not tight ) on low bass as a result it is not a well tonal balance cartridge. We have to take in count here that it is a 6K cartridge, we are talking here for serious big money and for that money I want something almost perfect, nothing less. Why does rave cartridge reviews?, well I know those reviewers are not deaf and have very decent audio systems so : wonder why class A?, I do. I try it on my system in two different tonearms and the last time I heard it was in Dallas ( one and a half month ago ) mounted on a SME 312s/Sp 10/Aesthetix and here IMHO was really bad at least for my quality performance standards. Is it a bad cartridge?, well yes and no: it is at 6K but at lower price say half it: it is a good one. Take for example the Titan i and XV-1 both are better overall for less money and the Colibri ( at the same level price ) " smoke " the PC-1 in every way. Yes I know nothing is perfect and always system dependent and our self dependent and I know there are several people that have a different opinion on the same subject, our audio world is for every one: that's why we find it so exiting. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Dear Piedpiper: You know that the " new kid on the block " always makes an " explosion " and the PC-1 is part of that fact, what IMHO have not be part of it is the proffesional reviewers irresponsible to separate the real performance over the commercial business. With that PC-1 in Dallas we try inclusive with different load impedance but those Dali speakers never comes " alive ". Right now that I'm trying to design a cartridge I'm learning that it is not an easy task to build something really better, the cartridge designers have a huge challenge about. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul. |
Raul,I think you might come under fire at some point,regarding the PC-1 comments.... I myself have never heard the design,but there has been way too much good "word of mouth"(including some of my own friends)and excellent "press"(not always reliable,of course)to conclude your observations are anything other than out of the ordinary. If I'd heard what you did in Dallas,I'd not buy it or recommend it either,but "still" you may have been subject to one particular parameter negatively affecting the outcome,you heard! A blanket statement about the PC-1 being poor,overall, is eye opening,to say the least!! Best |
