The greatest MM and MI cartridges ....

Regards, Dertonarm. The Shure ML-140HE might be considered as a candidate for top-tier MM.

Not so sure about "with flying colors" but having survived almost fourty years of service, the Shure V15-111 deserves at least an honorable mention.

Peace,

Regards, Nandric: One purpose such reports serve is to reintroduce cartridges some (such as me) might consider of exceptional design.

Acutex LPM 320-111 STR:
Freq. resp./20-20k +- .75 dB.
Broadband resp. 20-45k Hz.
IM distortion 1.2%.
Channel bal. 33dB @ 1k Hz and 29dB @ 10k.
Eff. tip mass 0.5mg.
Statistics from the 1980 Acutex catalog.

Introduced in 1979, this is a tri-pole induced magnet system in which exists a single strong magnet housed in the body. Just ahead of the pivot block there are two armatures fixed to the cantilever in a "V" configuration, a third is a sleeve along the plane of the cantilever shaft. This third armature serves as a neutral to cancel any spurious crosstalk between channels, reenforces the base of the titanium cantilever and also aids in damping unwanted cantilever resonance.

The stylus is a tri-radial modified Shibata obtained from Ogura Jewel Ind. The diamond itself is rectangular with it's widest dimension oriented 90* to the axis of the cantilever and is a nom. 40% of the mass of a typical square shank nude stylus. It should be pointed out that the 1.2% measured distortion is within usual recording parameters.

Cartridges in the series include the 310e (elliptical), the 312STR (bonded tri-radial), the 315STR (nude tri-radial) and the reduced mass, nude mount and highly polished "Vital" 320STR.

The 320 is tonally accurate. A noticably neutral voice with a fast rise time and no audible overshoot is the first impression. Bass is well defined and decay/sustain is excellent, the cartridge is a confident and accurate performer. The 315STR with it's square shank stylus produces a prodigious bass foundation while still manageing to avoid evidence of excessive bloat or bloom. A sense of presence or immediacy is the hallmark of the LPM 3xx series but the 315 in particular offers a quality of presence I've not heard with any other pickup. The bonded and slightly less well polished stylus on the 312STR makes it an entertaining performer. Initial attack is slightly rounded but remains defined well enough so as to not seem confused in demanding passages.

I firmly believe that one, having listened to the 320-111 STR, would be pleased to add it to their complement of cartridges. IMHO & yada-yada.

Any other questions, Nikola my good friend?

Peace,

Regards, Nandric: AFAIK, with the M3xx (square) carts, output impedance is 2700 Ohm instead of the 610 Ohm with the LPM 3xx carts, or the LPM 4xx carts with 710 Ohm output impedance. IIRC, the "M"'s are also higher output, 4.0mv compared to the LPM's 3.5mv. I've no exposure to the "big block" Acutex's but under the circumstances would expect the mids to be brighter/more forward & would anticipate cap. requirements to be in the 300-400pF range. It's possible the diamond on the LPM's are of better (Ogura) quality, Acutex stressed the quality of LPM styli. Just a guess. Or three.

The terminal 4xx series (available for only several years as Acutex dropped cartridges from their catalog in 1992) differ in apperance by their translucent grips, specific grip fitment and mechanically by a redesign of the neutral or negative third armature. This was modified from a sleeve on the cantilever to a lighter tab afixed to the base of the cantilever. There is a very slight trade-off in improved clarity (reduced cantilever mass?) for the very pleasing presence heard with the LPM 300's. One must listen closely to hear any difference.

BTW, out of curiousity did a search of VE's cart database, there's a pantheon of well regarded carts with Ti. cantilevers. The majority wore LC, Shibata, VDH1/2 or ML styli.

Peace,

Regards, Nandric: It gets even worse. In 1980, Acutex offered seven carts with (other than color) identical apperance. There were the LPM's (four models) and also the "Standard Series" M206-11 (white grip, conical), the M207-11 (grey, .3 x .7 ellipt.) and the M210-11, (orange, .3 x 7 ellipt., but keep in mind this was not the orange .3 x .7 LPM 310e "Best Ellipt.") These are not to be confused with the big block M3xx carts. It's all so simple---

As to your bigger is better premise? Really, Nikola. As Sun-Tzu might have said: It's not the size of the army but rather the fury of the attack that counts ;^). This is (informally) reflected in that most of the carts mentioned above are relatively low inductance/output impedance designs and of less than 3.6mV output. Mostly. Another needing mention is the Signet TK10ML, 2.2mV and the cart that introduced the ML stylus. There are those who hold the TK10 in high esteem.

Peace,

Regards, Frogman: IMHO, nice catch. I believe you'll find the 412 has a better grip on the bass than does the very nice Azden YM-P50VL. Mids will be presented with good clarity and the HF's detailed without being worrysome.

BTW Frogman, outcome dependent, either this enthusiast paid too much or another not enough, but recently I was fortunate(?) enough to obtain from your referenced vendor a NOS LPM 415STR. Out of consideration for our thread-host, in a week or two and with a better acquaintance with these carts it might perhaps be appropriate if we continue the discussion of Acutex taxonomy over on Raul's epic thread?

In a sideways recognition of certian comments made above, Nikola would you bring along more of your outrageous Balkan exaggeration and Thuchan, of course, your delicious double entendres? And Henry, you are suspected of hyperbole-- I looked several times and there's no evidence of another room behind my speakers.

Apologies, Herr Tonarm. You've been very patient.

Peace,