New Pioneer PLX-1000 Turntable - Need recommendation for MM Cartridge and Mat
Hello A-goN'rs,
I just picked up a nearly new Pioneer PLX-1000 Turntable from a local seller. It came with an Ortofon Concorde MkII Mix cartridge and a Fluance PA-10 phono pre-amp. I set it up in my system, played around a bit with VTA and I've listened to a few records. My initial thought is that it sounds pretty darn good, especially since it is using a $99 DJ cartridge. I'm using the built-in phono pre-amp in my Rega Elicit-R integrated amp, not using the Fluance.
My reason for buying the Pioneer is to have a robust TT that I can take out of the house for an occassional music night with some local friends. It is going to work very well for that purpose. However, given how good it sounds in stock form, with the cheap cartridge, I'm wondering if a couple of minor upgrades might promote it into my main system to replace my current budget-priced belt drive table.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a <$500 MM cartridge for this TT? Also, any recommendations for a Mat that might offer an improvement in Sound Quality? Lastly, I've never owned a DD table. Regarding the platter/mat: do aftermarket mats get placed on top of the stock rubber mat? If the stock rubber mat is removed, the platter has a recess where the stock mat sits, and an elevated ring around the outside of the platter. Curious if an aftermarket mat sits on top of the stock rubber mat, or do I need to buy a replacement mat that fits in the original recess?
Thanks for your thoughts and recommendations...
What Headshell? So, the AT-VM740ML has broken-in nicely and is creating some great music in my system. Was planning to go back through the setup again, just to verify everything is good. Got me thinking about first buying a new/different headshell that has azimuth adjustment. Also, on the stock headshell, I'm maxed out at the full open position on the cartridge screw slots in order to get the recommended 54mm (from memory) of overhang. Anyway, looking at the Jelco headshell that is sold through LP Gear as the Zupreme Headshell. But, they have a choice of a 10G version and the standard 12G version. Anyone know what would be best with the Pioneer PLX 1000 and AT-VM740ML combination? LP Gear says 10G "should be" correct, but the person who sent me the response from LP Gear did not exactly instill confidence.
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@noromance - Thanks for the response. |
@jasonbourne52 - Thanks for the reply. I'm think I'm going to go with MM, mainly just because I don't want to buy an additional phono pre-amp. I actually have a Parasound Z-phono I could us, if needed, but I like the simplicity of just using the built-in phono section of the Rega Integrated. Do you use an aftermarket Mat on your PLX1000? If not, do you put the record directly on the stock rubber mat? If yes, do you place the aftermarket mat on top of the stock rubber mat? |
@chakster - Thanks for the reply. Regarding the SAEC Mat: Per an eBay classified I found, it says it is 298mm diameter. That means it is going to sit up in the raised lip of the platter. Considering it is a solid Mat, only the edge on the mat, and the inside of the spindle hole, will be touching the platter. It would not fit down inside of the recess in the platter. Is that typical with the "Super-OEM turntables, or even the original Technics tables? Just curious. Regarding the cartridge, I'm probably going with a current production cartridge, unless I can find a vintage cartridge that I can audition locally. What do you think of an Ortofon 2M Bronze? I've read several posts, on various sites, stating it is very good on this new Pioneer model. |
Everyone, Thanks for the responses, so far. Much appreciated... So far, I've received a mix of vintage and current cartridges. If you recommended vintage, just curious why? Does the possibility of receiving a worn out cartridge, or a stylus that is past it's prime, concern you? Seems like replacement stylus for some of these older cartridges might be hard to find, and expensive. Is it worth the risk? Lastly, with and of these recommendations, do I need to be concerned about compliance with the stock tonearm on this new Pioneer PLX1000? |
Hello All, So, if you've recommended a cartridge, and understand cartridge loading (I don't), can you tell me if the cartridge you recommended is compatible with my Pioneer's tonearm and my Rega's phono input? Rega Elicit-R Phono Input 1 switch set to phono) -2mV Load 47K in parallel with 220pF
Pioneer PLX1000 Tonearm Arm Type: Universal S-shape tonearm, Gimbal-supported Bearing Structure, Static Balance
Thanks, and Enjoy... |
