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New cartridge for MMF 5

Hello, I'd like to get a better cartridge for my MMF 5 because the Goldring 1012 gx that came with it sounds very bad to me: thin voces, harsh highs, muddy bass, sound that is not involving (especially compared to the cd) and not dynamic at all. Since I don't have 2K to get a better TT, I am considering these options:

Grado Sonata 1 $600
Clearaudio Aurum Beta MK II Wood $650
Aurum Beta S MK II Wood $750
Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood at $950

I listen mostly rock and jazz, I have hardwood floor, a tube amplifier and a Vincent pho 111 phono stage.
Thanks for your inputs,

Francesco
fra76

Showing 2 responses by acman3

acman3
4,284 posts
 
Hello Fra77, my question would be do you intend to upgrade the table or phono in the future. If so I would save most of your money for that upgrade and get an older MM/MI. There are some great $100 to $250 options available. Also I think I remember that the Goldring 1012 stylus could be upgraded.

If you are going to be keeping things as they are for a while I would do some DYI mods to the MMF5. Look online and on this forum.

I enjoyed my time with the MMF7 with the same arm I think. I sometimes had to wrap the arm with Teflon tape to dampen on some carts and used the herbie's mat as Chayro said.

I would change Vta on arm if to bright.( just mentioning in case).

BTW, I did not like the Goldring Eroica but everyone is different and our systems are different. Get out and listen if possible to find what you enjoy.

I
acman3
4,284 posts
 
A good easy to find, low risk, choice would be a NOS Acutex 312 or 412 on Italian Ebay.Only about $60 but much better than that pricepoint .They are not as "refined" as the few you mentioned, but IMHO are very close. I personally like the 312 better but thats just me. If you don't like it sell it.

As far as using a $600 cart on that table/arm as an investment, it all depends on how long before you could get a better table to actually hear the difference in carts. I can only tell you what I would do in your place. Maybe your Idea is better if you swing an upgrade before using for 500 Hrs.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!
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