In cleaning out the basement to bring out my older system, I have come across some old (30-45 years) cartridges, and I have lost recollection of each of their strength and weaknesses. Also a couple are damaged, and getting them repaired is probably expensive - perhaps more than purchasing a new cartridge of equal or better quality:
Decca - Red body and base, deep blue front. No other ID other than SN. Looks very similar to Decca Mk-V seen on ebay.
Signet mk111E (diamond tip missing)
Grado, black and silver body. No other markings. Stylus end missing (another instance of the cleaning lady cleaning the turntable and snagging the tip)
Dynavector 20A
Ortofon SL-15E Mk. II
Questions:
1. How do you usually adapt to cartridges that have smaller diameter pins than the tonearm wiring ends? I do not want to crimp as I would probably sometime go back to the larger pins on another cartridge?
2. The Grado and Signet both needs service. Given what I have available (the Ortofon is currently mounted) which of the Ortofon, Dynavector 20A, and the Decca, might be worth mounting and trying, given that they are all >30 years old. This is important to know as the Premier arm is mounted in a Sota Sapphire and it is difificult to move to take into a store to get the cartridge changed and dialed in. My finger agility was ok 70 years ago, but not up to the challenge today.
Comments are greatly appreciated.