MC cartridge recommendation

Hi Boydk,

many thanks for the recommendation.
Yes, this one was on my whis list, but according to the sim above it doesn't fit into my very light tonearm, by a large margin.
If the sim is correct.
Your samples are very impressive, thanks a lot. They make me want more 😀
What is your equipment?
 
What is your equipment?
The "samples" were made on a modified "Acoustic Solid Wood Black" with an "Audiomods Series-6" 10½" tonearm.
And of course the AT33-PTG/II. (right side).

1744367596683.png


Todays setup looks like this. I had the "fortune" to get my hands on a defective Victor TT-101 with piano-black
original plinth including a (Koshin) Lustre GST-801 (in the middle).
Took a couple of days to fix, so todays setup looks like this:

L1030279.JPG
 
However, Benz doesn't seem to be in business anymore?
Hi. Benz Micro is still making new carts, but it seems they closed official rebuilt service. Since I wanted to rebuilt this chart I called them and they put me in contact with guy that handles this. Apparently biggest cost of rebuilt is in manual assembly , not parts.
I can send you contact, but please take it with reserve and caution as I never used rebuilt service at Benz, so I cannot confirm that it works good.
 
The "samples" were made on a modified "Acoustic Solid Wood Black" with an "Audiomods Series-6" 10½" tonearm.
And of course the AT33-PTG/II. (right side).

View attachment 1447290

Todays setup looks like this. I had the "fortune" to get my hands on a defective Victor TT-101 with piano-black
original plinth including a (Koshin) Lustre GST-801 (in the middle).
Took a couple of days to fix, so todays setup looks like this:

View attachment 1447291
Oh, come on, only 3 turntables? :rofl:
Just joking... it's a very impressive equipment, thanks for sharing!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Boydk
I tried to fine tune the settings of my TT (Project 9 RPM Carbon), but I think I have an issue...
I adjusted the tracking force using the Ortofon scale (DS-3), and everything was fine. Then, after finishing, I checked again, and then it happened: At first, the scale showed the set value, but after a short while, the cartridge became heavier and heavier, rising from 1.65 to 1.88 grams, when then the scale turned off automatically. Is this a problem with the arm lift or the scale?
 
From various digital instruments misbehavior experience, mainly medical stuff like blood pressure , I don't trust them . Below is picture of also Ortofon scale, but basic and mechanical , very cheap, this one I trust.

This project 9 arm that we both use is IMHO very good arm, but lacking any precise adjustments, hence nice price , and very DIY friendly

Sorry, forgot picture of basic scale:
IMG_20250411_134424.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Plott and Boydk
Totally agree...... These are nice gadgets. B&O made a similar with as good accuracy as Ortofon.

L1030280.JPG


But the most accurate I´ve ever owned (and never letting go of) is this one.
They can occasionally be found for sale on Ebay and other platforms, and are well worth, whatever people want to charge (within reason).

L1030281.JPG
 
  • Like
Reactions: Drbulj and Plott
Okay, now, the Thorens tonearm has a weight of 12.5 grams. The AT33-PTG II has a compliance of 10 - but measured at 100 Hz. I read somewhere that in this case a factor of 1.8 should be used to estimate the response at 10 Hz. If so, the cartridge could very well be a candidate... interesting.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Boydk
Hi,
new cartridge mounted, and it sings beautifully with the Pearl 3, no trace of the sharpness of the Nagaoka MP-500.
I now listened to 3 LPs and it's just gorgeous... but then, a magic smoke rose from the engine control unit of the Project RPM 9 Carbon... so it was a brief pleasure. Tomorrow, I'll convert to the Phonosophie 1...
 
new cartridge mounted, and it sings beautifully with the Pearl 3, no trace of the sharpness of the Nagaoka MP-500.
I now listened to 3 LPs and it's just gorgeous... but then, a magic smoke rose from the engine control unit of the Project RPM 9 Carbon... so it was a brief pleasure. Tomorrow, I'll convert to the Phonosophie 1...
Congrats on getting your new cartridge. Shame hearing about the Project.

jeff
 
  • Like
Reactions: Plott