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Technics SL1210GAE + Accuphase E-480 (AD-50) + ??? (cartridge)

Looking for some great cartridge options for the Technics SL1210GAE (stock) and the Accuphase E-480 with the AD-50 phonostage.  The challenge I see is that many options like the Kiseki Purpleheart seems to want higher loading than the AD-50 is capable of (300ohms, max).  I'm looking to spend up to $4000 for a cartridge that sounds amazing.  Using Magico S5 MkII speakers.

I like authoritative bass, but a really airy midrange and treble that has a clear "ease" to it.  I like my midrange "painted" in front of me instead of coming at me.  I had heard the Purpleheart was great that way, but I'd prefer not to get into separate phonostages for a second system, hence the use of the AD-50.
tre9901
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
I do not have direct experience with the Accuphase AD-50 phono, so my comments come from general experience:
 I would hesitate to jump into a 0.2mV cart unless user experience strongly suggests the phono is up to it. That's quite a low output and generally requires excellence from the phono...For a lomc it is possible that splitting the budget between cart and SUT and then using the MM input *may* yield better results. I am not a 'SUT all the time' person btw...

Oh and the Sculpture A carts and SUT are both worth a look in addition to the other good suggestions above.

Caveat: I am in the trade and have a relationship with Sculpture A.

jdal
159 posts
 
I’m using the stock headshell. Setting up the cartridge wasn’t too bad using the supplied tool. I’m still playing around with the arm height which is easy to do with the 1210. 
accuphaseyyz
5 posts
 
Interested to see how this works out as I am in a similar situation.  
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rauliruegas
13,046 posts
 
Dear @solipsa : The AD-50 is not an stand alone unit it’s an Accuphase phono stgae input board and comes with 66 db of gain that’s more than enough for the ART 9XA.
As a fact Accuphase spec about says a sensitivity of 0.126mV .

It works with the OP E-480 and in this picture at the left side of the unit you can see two blanks spaces where the AD-50 goes:

http://www.accuphase.com/model/photo/e-480_e_back.jpg

Accuphase from the vintage times always been and be top class electronic designs and very high quality excecution of those designs to compete with top SS great manufacturer names.

R.
solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
@rauliruegas thanks for the detail! I am aware of Accuphase as an excellent manufacturer. While 66db is enough, within the context of the preamp requirements, my comment was simply that a cart of 0.2mV output will put any phononstage to the test and only the best will shine. Thats all. This may be one of the best...as I said I have not had experience with it directly.
 
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