I am going to build up a turntable based around an Audio Technica AT 1005 II Arm and probably Rega mechanicals. I was thinking of using the Ortofon VMS 30E, currently fitted to my Dual turntable, in the AT arm. Bearing in mind that the AT is a highish mass arm, would this cartridge be a reasonable match for the arm? Are there better matches, new or used for £100 or less. I know this arm can take better cartridges but I am trying to keep the budget down at the moment. May even sell the Ortofon to fund a better cartridge if required.
I have a VMS 20E in a Linn Basik arm, which is also a bit on the heavy side. In theory the arm resonance is far too low, but it sounds OK to me. It wobbles alarmingly on warped records though.
Hi,
The original VMS30 (its a fine line not elliptical) would not work well.
Over the years the original replacement styli have followed the
current models, e.g. the OM30 or 530 and reduced compliance.
Still not ideal for that arm dependant on what it goes on and placement.
I do not think that the AT arm is that good, others disagree.
This could work :
https://shop.mantra-audio.co.uk/acatalog/Sontra_Cartridges.html
Otherwise my bog-standard recommendation for medium/heavy arms is this :
Audio Technica AT 95 E / AT95E Tonabnehmer - 20,99 EUR
That is a very good price for a decent cartridge.
rgds, sreten,
The original VMS30 (its a fine line not elliptical) would not work well.
Over the years the original replacement styli have followed the
current models, e.g. the OM30 or 530 and reduced compliance.
Still not ideal for that arm dependant on what it goes on and placement.
I do not think that the AT arm is that good, others disagree.
This could work :
https://shop.mantra-audio.co.uk/acatalog/Sontra_Cartridges.html
Otherwise my bog-standard recommendation for medium/heavy arms is this :
Audio Technica AT 95 E / AT95E Tonabnehmer - 20,99 EUR
That is a very good price for a decent cartridge.
rgds, sreten,
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Thanks for the cartridge recommendations. I know there are mixed opinions on the AT arm. I am trying to rebuild my system on a budget so I’ll have to hang on to this arm for a while.
Hi,
Its a decent arm, just some people massively overrate it / massively underate
the capabilities of modern well designed arms. As it is, as its retro, if it is in
good condition its worth quite a bit to the "idler drive" crowd in partricular.
The AT95E is perfect for your situation.
rgds, sreten.
Last edited:
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