@joenies +1 "It put a big smile on my face"
same feelings here, when I switched to Audio Technica ML180.. Try to get NOS/mint AT-ML170 or AT-ML180, still cheap comparing to newer models..
Fun with MM cartridge
Greetings,
I haven’t listened to a MM cartridge in over 35 years. Since I bought my first MC cartridge there was no need for me to listen to MM cartridges any longer. They just extract more music from records.
I have 3 turntables in my system, all with different MC cartridges. A few weeks ago I thought it would be fun to pull out one of my MM cartridges from my toy box and give it a listen. I installed a Grado XTZ on the TT. Gave it a listen, it sounded dull and lifeless. It’s a hard cartridge to drive, has a low output. I even move it to my MC input on my phono drive to get more gain. Same outcome. I was disappointed with the sound, since it has very few hours on it. Went to my toy box and installed a Grace F9E cartridge. Put on an album and gave it a listen. It put a big smile on my face. What a nice sounding cartridge. It had a good sound stage, bass was good, had good width, depth and height. Played a few more records, it is a fun cartridge to listen too.
I still prefer my MC cartridges but the F9E will stay on my TT for right now. Every once in a while I’ll listen to it, just to have fun.
Joe Nies
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Greetings, @lewm Thanks for the correction on the Grado cartridge being a MI. I thought it might be a MI. I might re-install it and let it re-brake in. I bought it in 1989, maybe listened for a few hours and packed it up, since I was move up to Alaska. It got some good reviews when it came out. My F9E might be a ruby? I’ll re-look it over and try to find my paperwork. It’s fun to listen to. Joe Nies |
@joenies...if your F9E has a Green stylus, it’s not a Ruby. The Ruby stylus is Red and should say Ruby on the front. I agree to run that Grado XTZ in for awhile. It's a pretty decent cart, if working correctly. |
The Grado TLZ used to be my one and only cartridge for many years. The XTZ is an upgrade that I never have heard but by all accounts it is at least as good if not better. I still have my TLZ, which must by now be nearly 40 years old. I've been meaning to listen to it again, but with any cartridge that has been in storage, I recommend an extensive break-in period. I would use tracks suitable for that, to be found on the Cardas test LP. |
@lewm thanks for the input. I’ll most likely give the Grado another shot, it has very few hours on it. That’s why I tried the Grado before the Grace, I thought it was the better choice. It did get some very good reviews. It was an expensive cartridge for me back in 1989. It listed for $750. |
- 22 posts total