Going from MM to MC


I have a linn table with an akito2 arm I just replaced the preamp with a rogue rp7 and bought a pro ject phono box DS3B phono preamp.  I am also going to get new phono cable from linn with the xlr ends on it. Right now I have an adikt on my table. I want to go to MC  to get better detail and seperation. I have been researching Cartridges and have narrowed it down to 3  the linn Krystal the lyra delso or the ortofon quintet S black. My Lin repair person is trying to get me to go  with the linn but I have herd the other 2 have better sound  any advice.where to go or even a different one all together  and why thank you Michael. 

mal11963

Showing 2 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

For any MC cartridge, check the recommended impedance loading, see if your SUT or Phono Stage provides a good match.

Your Phono Stage's Impedance via Potentiometer is a splendid feature

i.e. the Delos:

  • Recommended load directly into MC phono input: 97.6ohm ~ 806ohm (determine by listening, or follow detailed guidelines in instruction manual)
  • Recommended load via step-up transformer: 5 ~ 15ohm (step-up transformer’s output must be connected to 10kohm ~ 47kohm MM-level RIAA input, preferably via short, low-capacitance cable)
  • Recommended tonearms: High-quality pivoted or linear (tangential) tonearms with rigid bearing(s), adjustable anti-skating force, preferably VTA adjustment

Delos uses a boron cantilever, much better than aluminum, a spec better than Ortofon’s Sapphire, read Ortofon’s text

The Linn has good specs, except Aluminum Cantilever

Ortofon’s separation specs are NOT GOOD, you mention separation, the channel separation is listed as >23db. The other two are >30db.

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My choice, far less cost, was/is the Audio Technica AT33PTG/II. It’s separation is >30db; it’s tight channel balance (very important for imaging within the wide separation) is 0.5db

 

I have other cartridges, my friends bring theirs here, so far it’s loved by all.

I wore my stylus out, AT trade in sold me new cartridge for half price.

Of course they have some higher priced, different technologies, but the separation/imaging specs are the same as the AT33PTG/II.