Reson Reca, definitely. UK manufacturer. |
I have the Grado Reference high output MM cartridge (4.5 mV) which I am using with my VPI Hw-19 MK4 and Rega RB-900 tonearm, and I am extremely pleased with it. You can sometimes get this cartridge used, with "low mileage", here on A-gon for around $650 -- at this price, it is not only an excellent performer, but an outstanding value. If you want prefer to buy a new cartridge, the Grado Sonata is also an excellent MM cartridge. |
By reputation, the Grados that SD recommended are among the best of the MM designs. Quite of number of folks here on 'Gon seem to also go for a couple of the Dynavector models.
You seemed dis-satified with MCs- Out of curiosity, what MC models have you tried and what were the results?
Regards
Jim |
The Grado Platinum is the deal! I say it gets you most of the way there for $300 new or <$200 with low hours. |
Benz-Micro 0.4 , Sumiko Celebration - I had a Sonata a few years ago and was not that impressed. My new preamp will have a built in tube phono mm stage that is mainly why I am looking into something in the mm style without getting a stepup transformer. |
Benz-Micro 0.4 , Sumiko Celebration - I had a Sonata a few years ago and was not that impressed. My new preamp will have a built in tube phono mm stage that is mainly why I am looking into something in the mm style without getting a stepup transformer. |
if ya don't like the grado then try a aurum beta-s |
Ligi- Any thought of going to a high output MC? Benz makes the 0.4 with as much as 2.0 mV output. Also, the Aurum MM line that David99 suggests might be worth looking into as well, although I get the impression that they are a little "pricy" in their better offerings.
SDcampbell could probably give you some idea of compatability of various cartridges with your rig- you might want to check in with him after you narrow the field.
Regards
Jim |
I have a Benz 0.4 and it does not put out enough to push the phono preamp. |
Clearaudio Aurum Beta S....the more I listened the better I liked it. Sold it only because I had to have a Koetsu. |
Shure V15VMR? Hums? Is there another problem? |
I use a Clearaudio Virtuoso II in my TNT/JMW-12 rig. It's my current favorite over the Benz Ruby II, Grasshopper and Grado Reference. Transparency, speed, inner detail and timbral accuracy that you'd never expect from an $800 cartridge with 3.6 Mv output. I haven't heard the less expensive Clearaudio MMs, but I'd bet they're worth checking out, as well. |
Ligi- I wasn't clear in my previous post- the series of cartridges that the LO.4 is in has a model that is at least 2 mV (I don't recall the exact output) which would easily drive your phono pre. Benz and other manufacturers make series of MC cartridges with two or three output choices. Assuming you liked MC and changing to MM just to get the output to match your phono pre, any thought of going with a high output MC?
Not trying to "sell" you on MC, but would hate to see you not get something you might prefer because you weren't aware it was available.
Regards
Jim |
I am currently using the Shure V15 Type 5 (latest) and it is silent with my Aries/JMW10 arm. This is run into the Rowland Concentra II phono preamp. There is a ground wire on the back of the JMW 10 that if not grounded properly, will result in hum. You may have a bad tonearm lead or clip causing the hum. The Shure if well worn, might have a "bad" styli, but I doubt that is your problem. I would also check how far the tonearm is from any transformer. Two to three feet is needed to not pick up noise. A ground loop may be another possibility to chase down. Any cheater plugs used or dimmers used in the room? Also, unplug any digital and see if that is a problem. Once you try all of these and no cure, try the cartridge on another turntable. Good luck, Jallen |
I appreciate all the comments and help. I just reset my Sumiko Celebration and it made a huge differnce in my current setup. When my tube preamp comes in I am going to borrow an EAR stepup transformer to use with the built in and see how that goes. I will also check out some of the cartridges mentioned. I am particularly interested in the Virtuoso. |
