2. analog
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Good MM cart for AS-212s

Good morning all. I have a lot of time because of the California lockdown, so it's project time. 

I just got an Ortofon AS-212s for my Thorens 124. I'd like to get a good complaint matched MM cart that I can use with either my Luxman R-1070 or a Sony TA-5650. I have not used the phono stage in the 5650 yet and I am quite curious to hear what it's like since it used V-Fets. I am not sure what the gain is for it, but I would not like to use a SUT at this time because I would like to hear it unaltered. I already know that the phono stage on the Luxman in pretty good. Any suggestions would be helpful and the max budget would be $300 (although bargain giant-killers are favored ;)
enobenetto

Showing 2 responses by enobenetto

enobenetto OP
67 posts
 
Raul, 

The Sumiko EVO looks interesting! It's output of 2.5 is what the referenced output of the 5650 phono stage. 

enobenetto OP
67 posts
 
Thanks for all this great info!! I appreciate the mass calculation it makes things more clear.

I think the Nagaoka's or Audio Technica's look good. The AT's give me the most choice and seem to be in the range of compliance. I think trying to find a cart that is a little on the warm side will be a great match. The 5650 has triode like qualities but also can be very quick and detailed, so a little warmth won't hurt. 

I'm interested in the Pickerings but a little hesitant to get NOS stylus. Also, does the brush make a difference? 

High output MC's I usually would not shy away from, I enjoyed a Denon DL-110, but I'm concerned that they would be too strident, although that is a statement made naively. 

What about old Empire or Grace cartridges? 

 
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