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Respectfully seek some arm+cartridge advice

First off, thanks to all the wonderful advice flowing thru this forum.I have finally upgraded from my Phase Linear/GAS amp system and joined the audiophiles of the millenium - including back into vinyl.

I purchased a vintage GyroDec with an SME 3010-R and also an upgraded Scout with the JMW-9. Both will need cartridges. I've read what I can (my wife thinks I'm ignoring her) on cartridge selection but don't have a strong sense of what works - which I suspect means most all combos "work", the question is "how well".

So as a neophyte, how do I select a cartridge I will love? I now know MC has a lower voltage output but I think I'm ok there. I know to select a cartridge compatable with the arm's weight - but how?

I figure the simplest thing is to(unnecessarily) spend a lot of money or just ask what everyone's using - which I welcome if they're on similar equipment.

I don't want to spend thousands and I am frugal - so "used" is fine. I need 2 different cartridges and I'd like to keep it under $1,000 yet be happy.

My equipment is decent including a Lexi MC-12 pre, Theta/Dreadnaught amp plus a couple of tube amps and a Mcintosh amp. I purchased a Musical Fidelity phono pre-. Speakers will be Hyperions for HT and I have B&Ws and Definitive Tech's. I have rarely "loved" digital music and I tend to Pink Floyd, Alan Parsons and Rock 'n Roll of the 70s but also classical and jazz.

What I'd love is a primer on what to do if one exists. Failing that, any recommendations welcome - I don't mind trying a number of options and reselling what's not right.

Cheers all,
Kevin
arbrnrngr

Showing 3 responses by cello

cello
645 posts
 
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Grab a new ! Denon 103 or 103R Cartridge and play around with that a bit and then contemplate your next move. I would suggest staying away from buying a used cartridge - it can be quite treacherous.
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Rear TWL's review here on Audiogon (I listed the link below) on the 103r and it should give you some information with which to make a decision. Tom is quite astute and you can put some good stock in his review.
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http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ranlg&1034089946&openusid&zzTwl&4&5#Twl
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I continually hear about what a terrific cartridge the 103r is for the money (around $ 250.00). You can pick up a 103r (I just ordered one) from Audio Cubes (http://www.audiocubes.com/ ).
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Good luck and let us know how you make out.
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Rgds,
Larry
cello
645 posts
 
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Doug,
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Send Raul your paypal email address so he can send you some money to buy the cartridges he recommends.
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Kevin do not let Raul's exuberance confuse you with the idea that he knows what he is talking about. He routinely dispenses wrong information on Audiogon.
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cello
645 posts
 
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Joe,
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You would advise differently if you had heard a ZYX UNIverse cartridge. I am quite sure it is the best cartridge you have ever and possibly will hear at any price.
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Rgds,
Larry
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