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I Got Some Classic Cartridges Need Set-Up Advice

My old man gave me a box of his old treasures, he says they are still all in great working condition, and the suspension doesn't seem shot on any of them, and he didn't use them much. He experimented until he landed on his favorite cartridge, and has been using it exclusively since. So, here is what I got:

1) Madrigal carnegie (Mark Levinson design)
2) Supex Super 900
3) Audio Technica AT14Sa (Shibata)
4) Ortofon MC10
5) Grace F9 Ruby (got this one mounted now)

So, the questions:

1. The suspension seems good, is there anyway that I can check the diamond with a loop or is this inaccurate? Would a microscope be more suitable for gauging diamond wear? Is this type of evaluation better left to an expert; at a good HiFi shop? Obviously my ears, test records, and reference discs will tell me what is most important; but I am curious nonetheless

2. Does anyone have an direct experience with these cartridges and setting them up, aligning (Stevenson, Baerwald, Leongren), tracking force, comments, audition results or any other pertinent information I may be interested in knowing?
dfelkai

Showing 2 responses by rauliruegas

rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Defelkai: +++++ " Grace F9 Ruby (got this one mounted now) " +++++++

fortunately for you an unfortunately for all your other cartridges that I owned.

As Doug say it well cleaning the stylus is almost the first step along cleaning the cartridge pin connectors.

Usualy the Ruby perform a little better loaded at 100Kohms with 100-150pf on total capacitance ( bt can work at the " normal " 47K ).

Here and today IMHO the Grace F9-Ruby is one of the best quality performer cartridges out there ( vintage or today ones and MC or MM type. ) and lucky you are to have it and running in good operation condition ( yes is better tha your 2M, no doubt about. ). Over time as you improve your TT/tonearm/phono stage you will note that the quality performance of your Ruby is way better than the one you are hearing right now even if you you for " the best of the " best in an audio system the Ruby don't be on " shame ".

The MC10 and 14Sa are a " so so " cartridges and the Carnegie and the Supex are good MC cartridges but not near the Ruby performance..

Btw, I run my Ruby at 1.25grs on VTF with a slightly postive VTA and no anti-skate, but yu have to decide about according with your system, ears and music priorities.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Dfelkai: You can email me any time you need.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
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