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Trying vinyl, need some help!

For the last month, I have been searching for a good cd player or transport and thought I had settled on a Mcintosh unit when I started looking and turntables. I found a Roksan Radius 5 with a Nima tonearm that was in my budget so I bought it.
Now comes the problem, the cartridge. There are so many to choose from and they are not cheap so finding one that would compliment the table/arm is a bit intimidating.
My Audio Research preamp has 2 inputs for MM, or I can purchase a dedicated MC preamp.
If anyone has any experience with the Radius 5 please let me know what you have tried.
drf24

Showing 10 responses by drf24

drf24 OP
21 posts
 
This Grado Sonata would be a perfect match with that tonearm with the mass of the arm of 11 grams!
Thanks for the suggestion. Taking a closer look at the Grado

Loaded your MM cartridge with 100k Ohm you will get an amazing sound quality compared to standard 47k Ohm.
Seems there is a lot more to learn about vinyl than just buyin a record and playing it.
drf24 OP
21 posts
 
I guess I should have said what my budget will allow, I would like to stay under 600 if at all possible, cartridge and preamp if needed.
I have read so many older posts about the Roksan and Nima arm and haven't seen a common cartridge. 
drf24 OP
21 posts
 
@chakster Thanks again, ordering a set of the 100k right now. The SP-4 has 3 phono inputs, mine doesn't have the head amp option installed though. I can change one of the inputs to 100k and leave the other alone.
Found a few AT20SLa on ebay.
Thanks again for the info, very much appreciated!
drf24 OP
21 posts
 
@glennewdick
If your just starting out I would not start by opening your pre-amp and taking a soldering iron to it (sorry chakster).
The preamp is already torn down. I am in the middle of cleaning, inspecting, and replacing any bad caps. The SP-4 has 2, actually, it has 3 phono inputs, 2 MM and 1 optional MC
I think what chakster is trying to say is, on a budget and just starting out optimize/play with what you have, keep the money to a minimum. Who knows I may hate the sound and never use it.
drf24 OP
21 posts
 
@ roberjerman Very opinionated aren't you? I picked up the SP4 for $300, a very quick look at SP6 prices puts it in the 1500-2000 range. I wasn't really looking for advice on my preamp, I was hoping to find someone with the same or similar turntable and what cartridge they were using. The sound of a particular piece of equipment is subjective. I am only trying to wade through hundreds of choices in cartridges to hopefully get lucky and find a cartridge that mates well with the turntable and plays sweet music!
drf24 OP
21 posts
 
@ brianmoriarty No clue what the SP4 sounds like yet, I tested it for functionality as soon as it showed up and began tearing it down to clean and modify. Oh and I looked at the Grado Masters, I am leaning towards the Grado for now.

Thanks to all for your input, help, and opinions. It has helped narrow a large choice down to 30 to 40!
drf24 OP
21 posts
 
@ roberjerman I guess from a performance standpoint the moving coil IMO would be the better choice. Less mass to accelerate/decelerate would give the cleaner more accurate information, I know this isnt always true in practice but I guess the only way to find out is to buy a MC and MM at the same price point and see which one I enjoy more.
drf24 OP
21 posts
 
@donvito101 Ah yes you are right, but I found one with about 50 hours of use on it for $600, so it is also in range!
drf24 OP
21 posts
 
For the time being, I ordered a Sumiko Pearl until I make my mind up. I am hoping to be able to find a place near by to take some time to listen.
drf24 OP
21 posts
 
Thanks for all the input! It gets confusing but I am sure it will begin to make sense as time goes.
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