I recently obtained a Rega P3 and it has the Elys 2 cartridge. I feel I could get a little more out of the table with a better cart. I am prone to migraines and thus cant have anything with sharp or shrill highs. I like a nice warm sound, but still with detail. My music taste is all over, everything from rock to jazz to country to electronic to...
Anyhow, trying to find a good cart under $500 USD. Some say the 2M Bronze is bright, so Im not sure I want that one. I was thinking of a Denon DL-103r, but apparently its not the best for a lower mass tonearm like the Rega's. Others say you can add mass to the headshell. Seems Id be better off just getting something that is better suited. Also if I get an MC then I have to get a pre amp which is more money, but may be worth it. I've also looked at the Audio Technica VM750SH MM. Would that work well on the Rega? I looked at the Nagaoka MP200 or so, and at first I was very interested but then I read they recommend stylus changes at 150-200 hours. I listen to records a good bit, so that would end up being crazy expensive for me.
Any ideas?
Anyhow, trying to find a good cart under $500 USD. Some say the 2M Bronze is bright, so Im not sure I want that one. I was thinking of a Denon DL-103r, but apparently its not the best for a lower mass tonearm like the Rega's. Others say you can add mass to the headshell. Seems Id be better off just getting something that is better suited. Also if I get an MC then I have to get a pre amp which is more money, but may be worth it. I've also looked at the Audio Technica VM750SH MM. Would that work well on the Rega? I looked at the Nagaoka MP200 or so, and at first I was very interested but then I read they recommend stylus changes at 150-200 hours. I listen to records a good bit, so that would end up being crazy expensive for me.
Any ideas?
Although i replaced yamaha solid state preamp with tube preamp, ear834, and that made huge impact.
AT-VM series offer a lot of options.
The entry level VM95C, is well worth a try and I am pretty sure it will get you great results.
Then you can move up if you like it, with better profiles.
But first try the 0.6mil conical that sounds amazing and costs nothing.
The series is a departure from the typical brighter sound that AT has been known for (with the exception of its AT3600L variants and several others).
They went for a smoother, vintage-like, warmer signature this time and they succeeded in my opinion.
The entry level VM95C, is well worth a try and I am pretty sure it will get you great results.
Then you can move up if you like it, with better profiles.
But first try the 0.6mil conical that sounds amazing and costs nothing.
The series is a departure from the typical brighter sound that AT has been known for (with the exception of its AT3600L variants and several others).
They went for a smoother, vintage-like, warmer signature this time and they succeeded in my opinion.
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I really loved the Shure m97xe with the JICO SAS. The laid-back sound of that cart with the detail of that stylus is highly regarded. Unfortunately all Shure is discontinued, but there are a few around.
Still, evonimos's recommendation is intriguing. I was not aware of the AT mentioned. If it's a departure from the previous designs, then it is probably worth a shot. For such low money, I'm going to have to try it myself.
Still, evonimos's recommendation is intriguing. I was not aware of the AT mentioned. If it's a departure from the previous designs, then it is probably worth a shot. For such low money, I'm going to have to try it myself.
Yall bring up a good point, Im sort of teetering between MM and MC. I like the simplicity of MM. I want, of course great sound and that may be more attainable with an MC. Oh the dilemna. I guess MC wouldnt be too hard, I'll just have to grab a preamp that serves both and make sure the loading is right for whatever cart I choose. I hope it doesn't bring a lot of noise in the system though.
Well, for now, the one built in to my year 2000 Onkyo TX-8511 stereo receiver (dont laugh too much). I am thinking of getting a Rega Fono MC if I do decide to go moving coil.
My experience with Rega cartridges is that practically anything is better. Cartridges are absolutely not their competency.
The Ortofon Blue or Bronze as noted would be very good, as are the Nagaoka. No idea where you heard about the 100-200 hour replacement, that’s incorrect information.
The Ortofon Blue or Bronze as noted would be very good, as are the Nagaoka. No idea where you heard about the 100-200 hour replacement, that’s incorrect information.
Should have mentioned on the previous post, the Fono MC is a preamp, seems well regarded.
The Nagaoka's, its been a while since I looked, but it seems I read directly off the manufacturer's website.
Edit: I looked a little more and there is a lot of debate on the Nagaoka lifespan across the internet, many saying its a translation issue. Strange.
The Nagaoka's, its been a while since I looked, but it seems I read directly off the manufacturer's website.
Edit: I looked a little more and there is a lot of debate on the Nagaoka lifespan across the internet, many saying its a translation issue. Strange.
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DIY phonostages are wonderful projects. You can build some that handily compete with ones coasting thousands and thousands.
Diamond stylus are all made from the same material (obviously 🙂 ) and typical wear to replacement is 2000 hours. Not two hundred.
Diamond stylus are all made from the same material (obviously 🙂 ) and typical wear to replacement is 2000 hours. Not two hundred.
6L6, Im no expert but am a bit handy with a soldering iron and I enjoy DIY and have built speakers before. Do you have any designs you recommend?
(Ive also always wanted to build a Gainclone)
(Ive also always wanted to build a Gainclone)