@lalitk thank you so much for your advise and suggestions. When I said future proof, I meant something that will allow an upgrade path for a few years to come. Also, best as in best my money can buy at the moment. I know what you mean and how I wish I had $5k to splurge. But that's just not my reality right now.. lol
Just curious, what do you think are the shortcomings of the SL 1210 GR? Are there alternatives you'd rather I buy in the same price range? Again, I am not trying to buy the best, simply the best that I can afford.
I will definitely look into the Hana ML but prefer something in the range of $500-$750 at the most for cartridge. Idea is to upgrade down the road. Thanks again for your help. Cheers!
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@willyht thank you so much. for sharing your experience. I just placed the order. I have to now decide on the cartridge. I'm leaning towards a similar journey to that of yours. Start with a simple budget cartridge (ideally <$500 or $750 at the most - perhaps the Hana recommended by @lalitk) and gradually work my way up over time.
I'd prefer something that's plug and play given my little to no knowledge and experience. lol
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@lalitk Thank you. Quick question, is installing the Hana MC cartridge straightforward or will it require some adjusting etc. Keep in mind, I have very limited knowledge and would prefer not to have any complications.. I hope you understand where I am coming from. Scared of making stupid mistakes and potentially damaging.. lol
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@lewm @yogiboy @newfzx7 thanks for your inputs. I went ahead and placed the order with more confidence. I'm super excited to see this beauty in person.
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Cartridge options in no particular order:
- Hana S MC Cart ($750, not ideal)
- Grado Opus 3 MI ($300)
- AT VM540ml ($250)
- Orotofon Blue or Black
What do you guys think about the Nagaoka JT 80 Black? Also, in that <$500 price point.
Thank you so much for your help!
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@lalitk
Sure, I'll go ahead and get these. I am guessing the tweezer is used used to connect the cartridge to the head shell? If so, hopefully I won't have to put it to use immediately as the AT 540ML comes with a headshell. Curious what's the Stylus Force Gauge used for? I guess I could do a google search.. lol
Thank you so much!
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@zazouswing Just realized that I can still return the cartridge (perhaps have them cancel the order if they haven't shipped it yet). Do you think the Denon 103 will sound considerably better? Meaning it will do better given I don't have a dedicated phono pre-amp (just the Marantz Integrated) and that its a MC cart? Guessing its LO?
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Also, what's the difference between the 103 and 103R? Latter is a $150 bucks more.
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Thanks everyone for taking the time to share your inputs. I really appreciate it.
@zazouswing: after going through yesterday's comments and doing some research, I ended up ordering the AT VM540 ML (with a head shell). It had very good reviews and part of me wanted to make this a journey.
My understanding is that a change in Cartridge can bring about the biggest change, so starting with the AT will give me something to look forward. I'll better understand why Hana, MC or even some of the MM cartridges are as expensive as they are.
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@zazouswing haha, that went right over my ignorant head. I guess I'll stick to the AT cart for now and revisit the Denon and other MC carts a few months down the road. I hope the AT won't be too disappointing, esp given that I haven't heard that many turntables sing. Its been a 100% digital until now. Excited and nervous at the same time.
And it helps to know that I don't need a weight gauge at this point. Thanks again!
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@mbmi Ah, interesting point of view. I've always felt that the opposite is true with most things. For example, I'd much rather buy a top of the line spacious Acura instead of an entry level cramped for space Audi or Mercedes or BMW. This may not be the case with Hifi but I already ordered the Technics.. so not a whole lot I can do.. haha
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@pennfootball71 Interesting.. could it have been the acoustics, rest of the chain or something. Coz I really liked how the P6 sounded.
Also, what's a budget value for money phono interconnect? Or is the stock cable good enough?
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Guys, the table arrived yesterday and its simply stunning. Love how it looks and feels. The heft and weight feels solid compared to the Rega (which felt quite light to be honest). I'm not saying it in a negative way, coz I know Rega is all about its engineering but the weight of the 1210 gr does feel nice.
@newfzx7 thank you. the AT cartridge will arrive today. I bought one that's already installed to a head shell. Its supposed to be pre-aligned. My stylus gauge and protractor doesn't arrive until tomorrow. Should I wait to make sure i have the accurate tracking force and alignment or trust the cartridge alignment and Technics tracking force knob?
@helomech thank you. I am extremely pleased with the table and i don't doubt it one bit. Can't get better than this for the $$.
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@kahlenz Thanks for taking the time to validate my decision to purchase the 1210 GR. It really means a lot to me. also, the recommendations on Carts.. I am still trying to understand what’s required to run LO vs HO MC carts vs MM carts.
My Marantz PM KI Ruby states the following for input sensitivity/Input impedance:
- PHONO (MC): 250 μV / 100 Ω/ohms
- PHONO (MM): 2.3 mV/39 kΩ/kohms
Is this what I should be referring to when deciding whether or not my marantz is good enough to drive for example, the Hana SL? You’ve mentioned minimum of >400 ohms..looks like my amp is nowhere near that mark.. lol and its not even good enough to run the Mofi MM that requires 47 ohms?
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Thanks for clarifying @kahlenz. I'll keep in mind. I'm pretty sure it won't be long before I wanna upgrade the cart. Lol
Thanks @lalitk. I’ll check out the Parasound.
The AT cartridge will arrive today. I bought one that’s already installed to a head shell. Its supposed to be pre-aligned. My stylus gauge and protractor doesn’t arrive until tomorrow. Should I wait to make sure i have the accurate tracking force and alignment or trust the cartridge alignment and Technics tracking force knob?
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@lalitk haha.. I just set it up and played Dire Straits Brothers in Arms original master recording. Boy, I'm simply blown away. So happy with the sound. Such a good recording. Thanks everyone for all the inputs.. my vinyl journey has just begun.. can't wait to try diff carts and see how much better they can sound.. cheers!
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westcoastaudiophile haha, i don't doubt it. I hope I can upgrade to the 1200G at some point. For now, I am totally blown away with the 1210 GR.
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