Any MM cart, including the Mofi MasterTracker and the AT540 will be fine (not optimal) with 39 kohms loading. The Hana needs higher resistance to be optimal, but will work (it will be a bit constrained running into 100 ohms). I would look into something like the Ortofon Quintet Blue MC for a better match and save some $$. Look into better MC carts when you are ready to upgrade your phono pre (or just get the Hana, which is exceptional for the price, knowing you will eventually want to upgrade your phono pre).
Don't discount MM carts. I love them! Even the Ortofon 2M Red at $99 sounds great (they get better as you go up the line, the 2M bronze would be the one I would shoot for with your amp). The Grado Prestige carts are also cheap and cheerful and sound fantastic (Grado has a cool house sound you may like). At this price point, MMs are in their wheelhouse, and you can try a bunch of them! If I am being honest, I like my MasterTracker MM better than the HanaSL for casual listening (the Hana IS more resolving, but only when I am listening carefully and not distracted by anything going on around me). But when I am partying and drinking beer with friends it is MC all the way!
Technics SL 1200 GR
Hi everyone,
I know that a lot of you might think I am crazy but it is what it is. I heard a Rega Planar 6 play a few days ago and was totally mesmerized with the sound. This will be my first TT and I am the type that prefers to buy the best I can instead of starting small, selling and upgrading. I have to admit, I do enjoy fiddling with upgrades but the idea is to get a future proof turntable and upgrade stuff like cartridges, etc along the way.
Before you recommend that I get the P6, its simply out of my budget. I could consider the P3 if you believe its better than the SL 1210 GR (not the latest model 2 but the original one).
Anyway, here are some questions I was hoping you'd be able to help me with:
- What will a good starter Cartridge?
- Should I go for MM or MC? Is one more complicated to install than the other? prefer something simple as its my first time. Also, I read stuff like LO and HO.. For what ts worth, I will be using my Marantz PM Ki Ruby's built in phono (I believe it can handle both MM and MC, I could be wrong).
- Anything else I should keep in mind? Basic products for maintenance?
Thanks in advance for your help. I appreciate it!
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- 41 posts total
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? |
@prashanth14485 You’re a bad influence bud! I may buy this for shits and giggles :-) https://youtu.be/V6o2G5N_R8w?si=os0qrP2VDWXIPson
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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! |
- 41 posts total