MC Cartridge: Elliptical; around 0.5mv; track 1.25-1.75; Affordable
Elliott: Your phono stage has 59 dB of gain and 100 ohm which is pretty close to ideal for a .35 mV cartridge with a 12 ohm internal impedance IMO (others may differ-and lots here probably will-in their opinions but I feel that, in general, in many systems approaching 60 db of gain is probably just a bit too much for a .5 mV cartridge). And gain/impedance matching with lower output MC’s and phono stages is really critical I think. You’re better off with what would be considered a lesser cartridge and an ideal match with phono stage than a great cartridge which is mismatched with the phono preamp. Bill’s idea is a good one IMO. I run an Accuphase AC2 that his been retipped with a Namiki Boron cantilever and micoridge stylus but a boron cantilever and MR retip is typically $400-$450 on its own so you’re going to have to find a relatively inexpensive body unless you start retipping with aluminum cantilevers and lesser styli which would not interest me particularly. You can end up with a pretty impressive cartridge this way but budget might have to be extended into the $600-$700 range and you have to be a bit lucky and find the right body at the right price, which can take time. I have an SAEC C1 here that I may send off to Steve at some time that I acquired at a reasonable price. Chakster hates the idea of retips so be prepared: he will write a small novel trying to talk you out of it. ;) |
denon 301 any respect? under $200, usd https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649627772-denon-dl-110-cartridge-and-headshell/ |
