Low Output Moving Coil Carts

lcrim · « **on:** 26 May 2006, 07:41 pm »

Over the last few weeks I have installed LOMC carts on both my vinyl setups.
In the living room I added an Audio Technica AT-OC9ML II to my KAB modded Technics 1200 MKII w/ the EE Minimax phono section. The result to my ears was a huge increase in ambiance. There was more presence and life to the music. Better defined bass as well as well as a bigger soundstage, so much so that the music just appears there on well recorded LP's. I was so pleased with the improvement that I was anxious to add the same qualities to the bedroom system. It took some looking to find a LOMC that would work well w/ the vintage Dual CS5000 and its very low mass arm. The Goldring Eroica LX is only 5.5 grams and has very good compliance for a LOMC. The Jolida JD-9 has a more than sufficient range of both gain and loading for this cartridge. The Goldring, if anything, has an even cleaner extension from the upper mids through the treble. I have been looking for this quality since I got back into this a few years ago.
I received a good deal of help from Kevin Barrett (KAB) with this upgrade and setup is a really critical aspect of good analog.
BTW -the Dual has automatic shutoff and it also lifts the arm which is where I found it the last few mornings. Saves the cartridge running round and round when you fall asleep.

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 May 2006, 02:54 am »

Way to go, Larry.....I need to hear a low output MC in my system soon, I think. But, I already own 3 perfectly fine working cartridges now (2 hi output MC's and an MM) - so I think this fantasy must wait for a spell here

Bill Baker · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 May 2006, 03:23 am »

HI Larry,
Welcome to the LOMC croud. I am actually running a high output MC at the moment (modified Goldring) but do prefer the LOMC. You are correct about the Jolida JD9. Very much suitable for just about any cartridge loading and sounds better than it has any right to at it's price point.

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 May 2006, 03:24 pm »

Hey Bill,

What's modified in the Goldring - if I may ask? Their prices are tame by snobbish high end standards, but I've never heard glowing reviews of their products...even price considered (in $USD, at least).

I'm leaning more towards the Denon or A-T OC9II in the future as the prices are also tame, and the very happy consumers are many.

Is it the Eroica, or Elite you have modded? Try the (van Alstine) 'Longhorn' stabilizer if you haven't already done so; you're in for a further treat.

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #4 on:** 30 May 2006, 03:49 pm »

I'll chime in here. If you have the appropriate phone stage for a LO moving coil, I would DEFINITELY go this route. To my ears, they sound purer and provide a lot more resolution.

I've owned numerous HO MC, HO MM, and LO MC and the LO MC are the best. Now that I own a phono stage that can basically run any cartridge made, I'll never buy a HO anything again. I only bought them before because I was limited by the internal phono stage on the Conrad Johnson preamp I was using before.

Michael

Bill Baker · « **Reply #5 on:** 30 May 2006, 03:58 pm »

Quote

What's modified in the Goldring - if I may ask?

Hi TCG,
It's not something I did to the cartridge. It's a Music Hall Maestro that comes standard with the MMF-9 which is a modified Goldring. I have always liked the Goldring units but obviously there are many good options to choose from. Shelter, Dynavector, etc. just to name a few.

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #6 on:** 30 May 2006, 04:20 pm »

Mike,

I'v read many/most of the benefits of moving coil are lost in HO mode....so I've been thinking of going low output. I was limited by MC-ony stage before, but now have Musical Surroundings Phenomena MM/MC preamp with bps power supply (and Revelation Audio Labs umbilical...a must to really enjoy this tandem)
-------------
Bill,

Try the Longhorn mod (you needn't attach it permanently, I don't). You're in for a nice surprise....be forewarned that you cannot use most clamps with it when/if you do. I have found most clamp improvements to be slight in comparison to the Longhorn mod...so the tradeoff should be in your favor.
-----------------
John / TCG

JoshK · « **Reply #7 on:** 30 May 2006, 04:47 pm »

I am planning to build a phono stage that is made for LOMC carts. So when I get there, after completing a few other higher priority DIY projects, then I intend to mount another arm to my Teres and go with LOMC.

lcrim · « **Reply #8 on:** 31 May 2006, 11:57 am »

I previously had pretty good MM cartridges in both decks and there was no downside in going to LOMC except in cost. The phono sections involved must have enough gain to offset the lowered output.
LP Gear, in NV had a special on the Audio Technica AT-OC9ML II for $279.95 plus shpping ($15 to NJ). Kevin @ KAB has the Goldring Eroica LX for $360. so the cost wasn't that bad. I do tend to agree w/ the wisdom that the LOMC brings a magic that is't there otherwise. I personally needed to learn about vinyl with lower cost alternatives first.
I think that the Goldring, at least over on the Asylum, is fairly well thought of.
Since upgrading my digital sources to the use of PC hard drive based formats and now upgading my analog frontends, both systems I own are a lot more satisfying to listen to. Some time back, I went down to Princeton Records, a used record and CD store which isn't too far from me. I picked up a 2 LP set of Billie Holiday that I was certain was a gem when I first bought it. With the LOMC carts and phono sections, the bands and arrangements just leap out at you, previously I was only listening to that haunting and haunted voice. Music recorded over 50 years ago and played by folks who are undoubtedly dead for years, is still alive-very cool.