Four MC Phono Cartridges


I am going to upgrade the cartridge on my Technics SL1200G turntable. The turntable is connected to my Mac C2500 Tube Preamp. The Mac preamp had both mm and mc and I can change the mc cartridge loading on the fly via remote and also adjust gain. Presently I am using my ZU Denon DL103 cartridge. I am tired of the sound as I have owned this cartridge for 11 years.

I have narrowed my choices down to the following:

Dynavector DV20X2L. Low output MC. I had the previous itineration of
this on a VPI Scout and loved it.
Audio Technica AT-OC9XSL. Low output MC
Audio Technica. AT-ART9XA. Low output MC
Audio Technica. AT-ART9XI. Low output MC


I do not know the difference between the ART9XA and the ART9XI, can someone enlighten me on it? Would going from my ZU Denon to the OC9 XSL be a sideway move or a good one? Or, would one of the ART9 cartridges be better? Please explain why.

I am only interested in these 4 cartridges, no others. I have been researching for a year. Still don’t know which ones are compatible with the Magnesium arm on the Technics. Lastly, my phono preamp works with low output MC down to .1 mv.
128x128stereo5

Showing 1 response by islandmandan

I would say regarding your 103R?, that's a good time to get it retipped after 11 years.
Not too long ago, I got curious about AT cartridges, so I ordered an AT 440MLb MM cartridge. I was so surprised how good it sounded I bought ART9 MC cartridge. It's been on the Dynavector arm ever since. ever since. It's been quite a revelation.. I can't give any info regarding the OC9XSL, ART9XA, or the ART9XL, but the ART9 is a heck of a good cartridge.

It's probably a good idea to make sure any of the ARTs are a good match for your arm, too.Good luck, regards,
Dan

Regards,
Dan