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Pondering to pull the trigger on an AT VM 760SLC

Hello... I am going to take a second pass in a different forum... My last post was similar, but I have somewhat  fine tuned my note and questions here...

I am wanted to pull the trigger on an AT VM760SLC.  I think my apprehension is just and I'd like to get a bit of feedback. As I have shared...I have a Dual 1219 and a Grado Platinum 1.  I do remember back in the day about 1976 I bought an AT 14 and I was so impressed by the round tones and higher highs.  I want to hear that again...yes I want rounder, sweeter, candy-coated sound...I admit it....while my tinnitus is probably a factor. :)  All those trips to the Los Angeles Forum as a kid.

Is the AT VM760SLC  a substantial step-up from the Grado Platinum 1 in the tonal quality that I seek?  My concern is whether the Dual 1219 TT can really handle this new cartridge...allowing it to perform as it should.  I am also thinking about that all-important 92 degree set-up.  Is that a factor that can be met with the old-school Dual? Would I need shims to compensate?  Or does the 92 degree issue only apply to higher end MC cartridges?  And...lastly...does a platter mat help to calibrate that 92 degree issue and affect set-up overall?

Go ahead...I can take it...  I love my Dual... but, it is from an older age; as are my Yamaha separates - M-70, C-70.

As far as speakers... yeah...I'm the guy with the Cerwin Vega's D8's...bigger rounder tones, that I  like. And  I am thinking that the AT VM760SLC may compensate for the CV's lesser/subdued highs. 

I could do another post about how I was not impressed by the various models of Klipsch speakers heard at Best buy / Magnolia.   Another day...

Please...any input would be helpful...

Thank you.

vinylspin
vinylspin

Showing 4 responses by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,790 posts
 
tablejockey

sorry, I missed the fact it is MI, I saw 'coil' in my quickie look, however it is Elliptical, my main reason to rule it out.

It does illustrate what I found when researching: MI theoretically should have terrific channel separation and channel balance, but, unless you get WAY UP in price, the specs are not so good,

channel separation only 20-24db; channel balance 1.8db; frequency response +/- 2.5db, that's a 5db swing,

It may sound terrific, you and many may love it, I simply would not go with elliptical. 




elliottbnewcombjr
5,790 posts
 
ah, the relief of making a decision, I am sure you will love it.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,790 posts
 
The AT comes with advanced stylus shape, much more contact with sides of grooves (the music)

3 versions, all preferable to the Grado which is elliptical

All aluminum shaft, tips: MicroLine, Shibata, Special Microline. How are you deciding which one? 
elliottbnewcombjr
5,790 posts
 
tablejockey

MC is an expensive move, and OP, like me for many years is highly resistant to MC.

there is no way I would have moved into any new cartridge with elliptical stylus, certainly not MC elliptical stylus like that Soundsmith.

Like you, I might keep it, and, if not inclined for a separate mono cartridge, elliptical is better for mono lp grooves.
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