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Help choosing a new cartridge

Could someone with a little more knowledge than myself help me choose a new cartridge in the $500 range? I've got a VPI Scout and a EAR 834P phono pre. The 834P is low MC capable, but I don't know what the loading or any of that stuff is on it so I don't know what kind of low MC will work well with it. I've posted my system if you want to see what else I'm working with. I play mostly rock music, but more of the indie rock variety than the hard rock or classic rock variety. I'd like something musical with a full bottom end.

Thanks.
sinisterporpoise68

Showing 2 responses by tfkaudio

tfkaudio
591 posts
 
Do you have the JMW9 standard or signature model? The JMW9 standard has an effective mass of 7.7g and the signature model's effective mass is 9.5g. Makes a big difference in terms of cartridge compatibility.
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
Well, if you apply the following formula:

rf = 159 / sqrt((7.7+.5+cw)*cu))

where cw = cartridge weight and cu = compliance
you should ideally get an rf (resonant frequency) number between 9 and 11.

7.7 is the effective mass of the JMW9 standard arm. .5 is the approximate weight of the mounting screws (if you know the exact weight of the mounting screws, use it instead).

So, if you plug in the values of a couple of cartridges:

Dynavector DV20XH - 8.6g cw , 12 cu, rf = 11.19
Benz Ace - 8.8g cw, 15 cu, rf= 9.93
Shelter 501 - 8.1g cw, 9 cu, rf=13.14

So, for the JMW9 standard arm, the Benz Ace is the best match. The Dynavector would still work fine, but not as well (rf between 8 and 12 is considered ok. between 9 and 11 even better). The Shelter would not be a good match.

Hope this helps.

Tom

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