Which Cartridge?

[algoart]

Hi All,
I've spent a fair bit of time sorting out (I'd love to say tuning but it's more like listening a lot and then having a stab at a probability) my system (Audio Analogue Paganini, Accuphase E202, Self built 120L 10" Tannoys), and now I'm turning to my neglected Systemdek IIX900.
First phase in upgrading would be a new cartridge! So: Which cartridge?
General opinion says MC...OK, but the Accuphase only does MM!
The Denon 110 seems a good candidate, but implies cranking up the system, or, would I really need a phono stage to get best results (maybe a dumb question there, but I'll let it stay )?
All and any opinions welcome!

Thanks,
Alistair

 

[Glowbug]

The DL-110 is an MC, but it's a high output MC that works with most MM phono stages. I had one on a Technics SL-1200MK2, and it worked fine with a MM input

Might want to look into the DL-160, as well...

 

[vinylkid58]

I've heard an OM30 Super on a IIX with the stock Profile arm and with a modified RB-250. Sounded quite good, OM30 may be getting hard to find thou.

What arm do you have?

Jeff

 

[algoart]

Thanks for the input!
Should have said: RB 250 with modified stub/counterweight.
My idea was to move to an MC type cartridge.

Glowbug:
Will a high output cart on MM inputs mean cranking up the volume to get good listening levels?

Vinylkid58:
I'm just getting back into vinyl and the last I knew (20 years ago) was that Audio Technica were great ! I'll check out the OM30 Super though.

 

[gk7]

I'm currently using a Goldring Eroica LX with wich I'm _very_ satisfied. Goldring makes a high output version of it too:
http://www.goldring.co.uk/moving-coil/cartridges/eroica-h.htm
which can be used with a MM input.

 

[Glowbug]

Will a high output cart on MM inputs mean cranking up the volume to get good listening levels?

Nah. The DL-110 has a 1.6mV output, compared to a typical MM around 4-5mV, but most MM phono stages wouldn't have a problem with that. I know I didn't when I used one. Had a modded RB250 too (on a VPI HW-19jr).

The DL-103 is a more typical MC at .3mV, though...that will need a step-up transformer or phono stage that's capable of it.

 

[algoart]

Thanks guys,
Looks like I'll be trying the Denon 110 then!
I've found one at GBP 95, which seems like a good deal.

As I understand it, Goldring, excellent as they are, are big No-No for the RB 250 arm.

Then a rewire...then....then..

 

[gk7]

As I understand it, Goldring, excellent as they are, are big No-No for the RB 250 arm.

Just out of curiousity, why should this be a a "big No-No" ?

This shop for example recommends the Rega Planar 2 with Goldring:
http://www.phonophono.de/Yrega_planar2_e.php3?Kennung=

 

[algoart]

Hi GK7,

I'm happy to be wrong, but i recall from the reading that I did a year or so ago, that an RB 250 & a Goldring, were thought not to be the best pairing.
Please correct me, as that would open up more choices!

All of my experience with TT's dates from the 70's & early 80's, (yeah, I'm that old!), so I'm really just getting back into this! Very happy to learn anything useful.

 

[gk7]

Well, I have never tried the Goldring Eroica I mentioned with a Rega myself (I use it with a Thorens TD-150 and SME 3009 I bought in the 80´s - yes I´m that old too ;-) )
But from what I read it´s not an uncommon combination.

 

[algoart]

Thanks for that GK7, I need to refresh my research!
Also need to look into changeing my ID flag to EU as I've spent more time in DE, BE & FR than I have inUK