[sturgus]

Looking to buy a new cartridge for my Audiomods Classic arm. I have my eye on a few.
1: Ortofon 2m Black- mm
2: Nagaoka 500- mm
3: Dynavector 20x2- lomc
4: Audio Technica oc9 mkII- lomc
Most of my music is jazz and classical- (small ensemble ). The arm is mounted to a VPI HW-19 MK4.
Any ideas?

[Minn Mark]

How 'bout a Longhorn from Audio by Van Alstine?

http://www.avahifi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=258&Itemid=247

Wicked good for the money...

Regards,

Mark

[Wayner]

It will hum on a VPI.

'ner

[neobop]

Looking to buy a new cartridge for my Audiomods Classic arm. I have my eye on a few.
1: Ortofon 2m Black- mm
2: Nagaoka 500- mm
3: Dynavector 20x2- lomc
4: Audio Technica oc9 mkII- lomc
Most of my music is jazz and classical- (small ensemble ). The arm is mounted to a VPI HW-19 MK4.
Any ideas?

I was looking through your systems page.  That's quite an assortment of carts and arms.  Do you still have all that stuff? 

What are you looking for, sound wise, in a new cart with the Audiomods?   It's nice to have multiple options, but I also realize that having 10 - thousand dollar tables  is roughly the same as having 1 - ten thousand dollar table.   Just a thought, I think most of us are in a similar position.

The AT PGT II is available at Amazon, but I suspect the ART9 (LpGear) is the one to get.  At least that's what I've read.  Otherwise you're in the multi thousand dollar range. 
neo

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Does your tone arm need an high or low compliance cartridge.  The Nagaoka is a low compliance cartridge.  I have an MP-200 and I love the slightly warmer sound.  The whole Nagaoka line is supposed to have this trait.  I listen to a lot of Jazz and some classical and the MP-200 shines.

All the cartridges you have mentioned are good.

[NIGHTFALL1970]

It will hum on a VPI.

'ner

It will???!!!  I was thinking about going with this combination.  I thought that some online vendors sold the Traveller with Grados.
http://www.lpgear.com/product/VPITRAVELGRAGLD.html

[sturgus]

I was looking through your systems page.  That's quite an assortment of carts and arms.  Do you still have all that stuff? 

What are you looking for, sound wise, in a new cart with the Audiomods?   It's nice to have multiple options, but I also realize that having 10 - thousand dollar tables  is roughly the same as having 1 - ten thousand dollar table.   Just a thought, I think most of us are in a similar position.

The AT PGT II is available at Amazon, but I suspect the ART9 (LpGear) is the one to get.  At least that's what I've read.  Otherwise you're in the multi thousand dollar range. 
neo

Neo, you are so right about the gear. I some how keep accumulating stuff. I need to sell some of this stuff at the next GAS Flea market sale. As far as what I am looking for in sound, I like the sound of my Koetsu but it's just a tad lush. I keep hearing good things about the Nagaoka 500, warm but extended.  I also am quite interested in the Dynavector 20. I have heard it sound quit good in a friends system. The Dynavector is at the top of my spending range. I can get the Nagaoka for a little bit less and have a little breathing room. I could also buy the AT-0C9 and save quite a bit. I just don't know if it will make me happy. Thanks to all who replied, I will be deciding in the next week or so. I will keep all informed. Knowing how my audiophile head works. I may end up with something totally different.
Thanks again.
Sturgus

[neobop]

Before you spend $800 or whatever, IMO you should check out a Victor (JVC) Z1 MM.  It will require a Jico SAS stylus - like $140.  Here's one:
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649202980-different-mmmc-cartridges-and-headshells-for-sale/

Scroll down to item 54.  I was going to get this for myself, but I have a couple of bids in on other stuff.  I'll get another one.

Griffithds loaned me one for an extensive evaluation.  I must say it's pretty amazing.  It makes the music come to life.  If you spend a little more than your top, $1097 gets you an ART9.  Check out the Z1.  Here's the stylus:
http://www.jico-stylus.com/product_info.php?cPath=8&products_id=1293

neo

[roscoeiii]

And what phono stage would you use with this? I'd be sure that the noise floor of the phono stage is up for an MC cart before grabbing an LOMC.

[plaf26]

How about an old standby--the Denon DL103R?  It's been called a bargain and a giant killer.  Team it up with Frank's latest Vision RIAA phono preamp for an amazing setup.

[Wayner]

It will???!!!  I was thinking about going with this combination.  I thought that some online vendors sold the Traveller with Grados.
http://www.lpgear.com/product/VPITRAVELGRAGLD.html

Its the VPI HW series (maybe the traveler too) that uses a Hurst motor. The Grado hums in mine. While VPI claims that the Grado will not hum in it other, newer series of tables, like the scout (and on upwards), I've heard from other sources that there is still some hum. While the steel motor housing for these tables may greatly reduce the hum, I don't think its going to be hum free.

I do not own a Scout so I can't confirm the claims. However, any synchronous AC motor will produce a magnetic field, and those are a bugger for Grado cartridges.

'ner

[roscoeiii]

How about an old standby--the Denon DL103R?  It's been called a bargain and a giant killer.  Team it up with Frank's latest Vision RIAA phono preamp for an amazing setup.

And there are some souped up Denon 103s and 103Rs. Either DIY aftermarket bodies that can be added, or something like the Zu-modded Denon carts. Had a Zu cart and it was great.

[Wayner]

How about an old standby--the Denon DL103R?  It's been called a bargain and a giant killer.  Team it up with Frank's latest Vision RIAA phono preamp for an amazing setup.

Frank uses the DR-103 and I Longhorned it for him (at his request). He is very happy with it on my old Sony PS-X5 direct drive turntable, which is now his current set-up. The new Vision phono preamp (and the board for installing into line preamps) has plenty of gain choices and loading options for any MC and that might be a good match for you. I don't know anything about your table's arm, so call me a dope.

(For newbies):
Moving magnet and moving iron cartridges vibrate in a magnetic field because the cantilever has (or is influenced) by a magnetic field because it has magnets (or iron) attached to it. The cantilever can sit on the arm rest and if the magnetic field is strong enough, will be induced to vibrate, sympathetically to the 60 cycle magnetic field emitted from the motor. Moving coil cartridges have coils of wire on the cantilever so there really isn't anything magnetically to be induced to vibrate from the motor's magnetic field.

Wayner

[NIGHTFALL1970]

Thanks for the info.  I might go with a Rega RP3 or RP6 instead.
I just sent my AVA Fet Valve Preamp to Frank for the MM/MC phono upgrade.

[roscoeiii]

Thanks for the info.  I might go with a Rega RP3 or RP6 instead.
I just sent my AVA Fet Valve Preamp to Frank for the MM/MC phono upgrade.

My understanding is that Rega and VPI tables will have a pretty different sound. There are enough good carts around that I wouldn't worry too much about a Grado not working with the VPI.

I'd also recommend calling Music Direct about their Grado and VPI experience. They carry both and sell lots of VPI. They would also be great to ask about VPI vs Rega. Try to talk to Chris or Bes. They are the big vinyl guys there.

[Wayner]

I had a Rega P3 and the Grado hummed.....

'ner

[SteveRB]

The Audio Technica AT150 MLx is an absolute steal. It is not out of place on a $10,000 turntable. Myself and several friends have all been very impressed.

http://positive-feedback.com/Issue58/at150.htm

[sturgus]

I broke down and bought the Nagaoka-500. When it gets here I will let you guys how it works out.Thanks for the input.

[Scott F.]

I broke down and bought the Nagaoka-500. When it gets here I will let you guys how it works out.Thanks for the input.

Stylus type: Superfine line contact diamond

Nice, my favorite sounding stylus profile. Bet you're going to love it 

[Charles Calkins]

I had a Rega P3 and the Grado hummed.....

'ner

Hi wayner:
 I've a Rega P3 With a Grado longhorn gold cartridge that I bought from Frank and you and it doesn't hum. Very quiet. Does the longhorn setup have something to do with reducing hum?

                                                   Cheers
                                                    Charlie