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Looking for a Replacement for AT VM740ML Cartridge

Thinking of changing out my AT VM740ML Cartridge being I feel it’s a little bright. I like the transparency but would like just a “SLIGHT BIT” more warmth without it deadening the sound, so looking for recommendations.

Previous carts used: 

Ortofon Super OM20 which I loved on a previous TT, just not compatible with my tonearm on my current turntable.

Ortofon 2MBlue - Did not last and like the OM20 better

Sumiko Moonstone - Way too dull sounding 

Turntable is a EAT B Sharp and Currently using a Gold Note PH-10 Phono PreAmp with the external power supply, and even with it set to -3 dB on all the EQ settings still seems to be on the bright side.

I’d like to stick with MM, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks 

 

skiznfliz
richardbrand's avatar
richardbrand
244 posts
 

@stereo5 

Thanks, I am ok for the Shure tracking weight, but the VM540ML is about twice as much (excluding the extra for the Shure brush).  The VM540ML is over the standard adjustment range for my 'SME 3009 S2 improved with fixed head shell', which I can extend using a tracking force gauge, and also over the anti-skating range for which I have no answer except a heavier anti-skating weight.

richardbrand's avatar
richardbrand
244 posts
 

@theflattire 

I would have thought the progression in detail (high frequency resolution) would increase with stylus shape from round to elliptical to Shibata to micro-line, simply because they fit progressively better into the groove.

Many people might prefer a smoother sound with less high frequency, which shoul translate into less transient attack.  I have switched from a Shure V15 type III with elliptical stylus to the AT540ML with its micro-line stylus.  To my ears it probably is a bit more detailed but without two tone arms or a detachable head shell, I am relying on my memory!

One day I might buy a Jico micro-line stylus for the Shure ... but the entire AT540ML was cheaper!

wturkey's avatar
wturkey
795 posts
 

Tape a nickel to your headshell. Readjust your cartridge settings again. Anti skate, tracking force whatnot. See if it makes it better or worse.

skiznfliz OP
38 posts
 

I ended up returning the PH-10 being it just had too much gain, even at -3 dB was still too overwhelming !!! So switched back to the Pro-Ject for now. I previously owned a Tubes for HiFi SP-13 PreAmp and liked it very much, so as suggested in a response to my post was a PH-16 from Tubes for HiFi, so I reached out to them for some info. I think Roy sold the company, but even so, the PH-16X looks very interesting and being all tubes will probably be more of what I’m looking for.     

richardbrand's avatar
richardbrand
244 posts
 

@wturkey 

Thanks for the idea.  We do not have nickel coins Down Under, though we mine plenty of nickel!

The VM540ML has a designed tracking force between 1.8 and 2.2 grams.

The SME 3009 tone arm is a high-precision, low mass design and worked particularly well with the Shure V15 high compliance cartridges, tracking at about 1 gram.  Tracking force is applied by turning a big counterweight until the arm balances level, then sliding a smaller weight along a calibrated rod to apply tracking force.  The rod is marked in 1/4 gram intervals and stops short at 1.5 grams.  It is easy enough to turn the big counterweight to give more tracking force, but you have to use some other way of measuring it.  No drama with digital scales..

The anti-skating force is applied by a bob weight dangling on a very fine line running through a miniature pulley.  The other end of the line loops around another calibrated rod to apply side pressure.  Once again, the rod length is designed for a maximum of 1.5 grams tracking force.

The obvious solution is to increase the mass of the bob weight with some very small nickel equivalent with a central hole!  I have test records with tracks for setting the anti-skating force but I have not worked out how to use them yet!

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