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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
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rauliruegas
13,052 posts
 
Gregadd: I'm not saying that the Koetsu RSP does not works well with the IV. I'm saying that there are other better tonearms choices.
If you don't have other than the IV, you can live with this combo it has good performance.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
gregadd
574 posts
 
thanks Raul!
arbrnrngr OP
3 posts
 
Well gentlemen, thank you for all the good advice but my intent was not to raise the ire of one against the other. There is certainly enough of that going on in the world at the moment. I respect strong opinion but also hope we can agree to disagree - all ears are not the same. I appreciate all of the input from everyone and certainly we all enjoy what we enjoy.

Unfortunately, as much as I would LOVE a side-by-side comparison, it isn't likely to happen. I have bid (and lost) on several options suggested. I will install a new Shure VX15mxR as my base level and go from here. I hope to someday win a Shelter for a reasonable price as well as a ZYX. I haven't tried for a Denon yet but I think I will. Unfortunately I'm not a Denon fan on the electronics end as I find their equipment shrill and digital - if that makes sense. I think I have a system that can distinguish the differences in cartidges. I have my GyroDec finally set up well, although I am awaiting my digital scale for the final setting. My Scout is also ready to go - it's my system that isn't quite there pending finishing a renovation of a family/home theatre room.

Anyway, enjoy everyong and my thanks for your input. If anyone knows where to find the needed cartridges for bargain prices, let me know. I intend to buy some and sell what I don't want to keep.

Kevin
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