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VPI Classic Cartridge Help

Soon I will be purchasing a VPI Classic and an considering Cart choices. I would like to stick with a $5-700 price range initially. My current rig is a Rega Planar 2 with Ortofon Blue. I purchase a lot of used records at used record stores, thrift stores, etc and wondered about playing these records with a more expensive cartridge. I clean with a VPI RCM but am concerned about beating up a good cart. with "rough" records that have some scratches. Is there any particular cart or stylus type that I should consider? I wanted to order the VPI with the cart installed at the factory and have it checked by the dealer- I think that narrows the choice of cart. manufacturers.

The rest of my system: B&W 802D, Spectron amp, Cary SLP03 Preamp.
stl114_nj

Showing 4 responses by stl114_nj

stl114_nj OP
94 posts
 
Forgot to mention: Phono preamp is a Whest TWO
stl114_nj OP
94 posts
 
I prefer a factory mount or a good local dealer to do the work and check the specs for me. That said, I did purchase the DVD from Michael Fremer on turntable setup so I can understand and potentially get involved in changing cart. I would feel the most comfortable starting with the Ortofon Blue for comparison and then moving forward from there once the difference can be heard. But I would lose the advantage/convenience of having a factory mount. Perhaps the dealer would mount the Ortofon for a small fee or free due to the table purchase. As I understand it the Whest can be configured for almost any load but a call to then is necessary for the settings. Generally how are the MM and MC different?
stl114_nj OP
94 posts
 
Jaybo- Its funny you ask.......Nothing actually. Guess I viewed the Rega as the entry level start. I wanted to upgrade my vinyl rig and honestly felt that I would have to move much higher up the scale to hear a big improvemeent. Also the Classic would hold its value quite well and I could bail out later and not lose so much. Also was looking at the Scout. I considered upgrading the cart to a Orfofon Black and just enjoy that for a while. I seems auditioning turntables is not a popular idea so thats one thing that makes the decision a little shaky.
stl114_nj OP
94 posts
 
Csng1
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