Good (great?) cartridges with user replaceable styli


I've been considering getting a Ortofon Black 2M LVB 250 for use on a Rega Planar 6, but am wondering if there are other cartridges with user-replaceable  styli worth considering. (I know I'll need a spacer.) Why the user-replaceable stylus, you ask? Because I'm blind and might one day screw up, and wouldn't want to be out the whole cart if a mishap were to occur. I'm generally good, but, well, you know.

 

(Yes, I understand well that I could stream or play CDs or rip to a music server -- all of which I do plenty of. But I've got a decent selection of records, have long enjoyed spinning them, and would like to continue to do so.)

 

I've long had a Rega P3 and am figuring that the Planar 6 would feel quite familiar when putting a new record on. As such, I'm fairly set on that 'table, but am still open to other carts -- if the stylus can be changed.

 

I listen to all sorts of music, though more rock than classical. Plenty of acoustic stuff, a bit of jazz, and always Joni Mitchell.Thanks very much for any recommendations.

 

-- Howard

 

hodu

Grace F9 have replaceable stylus, and Soundsmith makes variations. I just helped my friend replace his stylus, sounds terrific

hishark search grace f9

same as the shure, buy a body, example, $175.

 

buy a stylus from Soundsmith

NEW!! GRACE F9 Replacement stylus are now available!

All models are 25 x 10-6cm/Dyne (dynamic compliance)

Soundsmith OCL Nude stylus-Ruby Cantilever RUBY-OCL (RED) $499
Soundsmith laser mounted CL Nude stylus- Sapphire Cantilever "RUBY"- CL (RED) $399**
Soundsmith Nude CL Stylus-Aluminum Cantilever RS-9U (BLUE) $299
Soundsmith Nude Elliptical stylus-Aluminum Cantilever RS-9E (BLUE) $199

 

https://www.sound-smith.com/parts/grace-f9-replacement-stylus

 

correction, 2m black channel separation is +/- 26db. sorry for the mis-information

from below

Channel balance at 1 kHz  -  1 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz  -  26 dB
Channel separation at 15 kHz  -  15 dB

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Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.  -  5 mV
Channel balance at 1 kHz  -  1 dB
Channel separation at 1 kHz  -  26 dB
Channel separation at 15 kHz  -  15 dB
Frequency response  -  20-20.000 + 2 / - 0 dB
Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force  -  80 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral  -  22 µm/mN
Stylus type  -  Nude Shibata
Stylus tip radius  -  r/R 6/50 µm
Tracking force range  -  1.4-1.7 g (14-17 mN)
Tracking force, recommended  - 1.5 g (15 mN)
Tracking angle  -  20°
Internal impedance, DC resistance  -  1.2 kOhm
Internal inductance  -  630 mH
Recommended load resistance  -  47 kOhm
Recommended load capacitance  -  150-300 pF
Cartridge colour, body/stylus  -  Black/Black
Cartridge weight  -  7.2 g

Replacement stylus unit  -  2M Black (interchangeable with 2M Bronze and 2M Black LVB 250)

Stylus lifetime: with proper care we find that up to 1000 hours is possible without degradation of performance. Please read about stylus care on our FAQ.

2M Series styli interchangeability:
The 2M Series' engines, coils and magnets configurations are not identical: Red and Blue are identical, so are the Bronze and Black and so are the true mono variants 2M Mono and 2M 78. Likewise, 2M series styli are interchangeable within the below combinations: 
- 2M Red, 2M Blue and 2M Silver
- 2M Bronze, 2M Black and 2m Black LVB 250
- 2M Mono and 2M 78

 

Download the 2M series userguide

Download the 2M series brochure

Nagaoka cartridges are well worthwhile, and styli are user-replaceable. I have an MP-500 that is good enough that I bought a second TT and a couple of spare styli along with two extra tonearm pods and tonearms. It is used alongside a London Reference, Ortofon Cadenza Bronze and Cadenza Mono. It easily keeps up with the others and earns its place.

The M series Ortofon all have replacement styli but they are nearly as expensive at the complete cartridge. Grado and Sumiko as well but not sure which models. You can check out audioadvisor, which sells a few different styli.

Aside from other factors, I want wide separation and tight center balance to provide more distinct imaging.

2m black has good +/- 1 db center balance, however it’s channel separation is very low at +/- 15db.

I also recommend getting a Shure V15Vxmr body (original stylus likely broken), and getting a replacement stylus from Jico. My choice was Shibata on Boron cantilever.

Here’s a V15Vmr body with I don’t know what stylus in it for $285.

Teh get the Jico Stylus for another $285.

Total $570. plus shipping, for awesome result

The Jico has a brush like Shure’s, you can use the cartridge with the brush up, not on the lp, or, lower the brush when desired. Note, Shure’s brushes were/are damped, like shock absorbers, best for warped lps, the Jico brush is not damped.

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found this chart about Ortofon stylus interchangeability.

 

Well you are on the right track.  I happen to own all of those mentioned so far, plus a few more.  Audio Technica AVN150 is also very nice and there are others.  The Shure V15 is a favorite of mine too and then there is the possibility of picking up a Stanton 681 or 881 NIB.  These are all great cartridges and frankly any one of them would be fun.  But you have already answered your own question.  You like your 2M Black.  I can understand that.  When I have mine playing I wonder why anyone needs anything else.  As Mikey Fremer said years ago, it is stupid good.

Shure V15mk5MR! I was lucky to find one NIB plus a new SAS replacement stylus for a combined price on eBay!

I agree with Goldring. I have a 1042 as a back-up that is quite good. You might also consider a Nagaoka 300 or 500.

But it really depends what your sonic preferences are.

Oopsie. Forgot to mention that I currently use an Ortofon 2M Black on my P3. Figuring the LVB 250 would be a step up, as would the Planar 6 over the P3.

there's nothing exactly wrong with my current setup, but, well, again, you know. If it ain't broke, fix it!

-- Howard