Revelation and Question

Carlman · « **on:** 2 Jun 2004, 03:36 pm »

I posted this on AA because I couldn't get into AC... but now that we're back...

I have recently discovered that I prefer moving coil cartridges to moving magnet. I compared 3 cartridges: An Ortofon OM-20, a Goldring 1042, and an Adcom prototype "#35" It's a high output moving coil which is about 20 years old with a lot of use.

While the Adcom may have a little less dynamic range compared to the others (maybe from use), the detail is so much better. Not just more detail, but better reproduction of them. The control is so tight and clear around each sound. The beginning and end of all the different sounds is sharp and focused which sounds more like real music to me than I hear in the MM cart's I tried.

OK, now the question... The Adcom is tired. It makes some funny noises sometimes; like maybe a coil is broken or breaking? Sounds kind of like a pinging. I don't know. However, I'm sold on HOMC carts. Now I need to find one that will work well on my table, a Pro-Ject RM4. (Pro-Ject 9 tonearm)

I would appreciate suggestions on excellent value HOMC cart's and if you can describe why you liked it, I would really appreciate it.

I like natural, honest sounding reproduction that leans a little to the warm yet lively side.

My system is comprised of the following:
Eastern Electric Minimax preamp
AKSA 100w amp
Green Mountain Audio Europa monitors
Audience Conductor cables

Thanks,
Carl

meilankev · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Jun 2004, 04:55 pm »

Carl,

I have a couple of questions:

> Can you phono pre-amp handle low-output MC cartidges?
> If so, why would you not consider them?

Good luck,
Kevin

Carlman · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Jun 2004, 05:11 pm »

I have a Bugle phono pre, which probably can be configured for low output but I don't know how. *yet*

I know the Denon DL-103 is a super cartridge but I passed on it since it was low output. However, if it means I can get all the goodness at a lower price, or more options, I'll look into changing the preamp to accept low output.

I'm looking to stay in the 150-300 range new or used. A friend recommended the Denon DL-160 but said it was not as good as the Adcom I had... which I've learned is about 25 years old.

Carlman · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Jun 2004, 06:47 pm »

So, no opinions on any moving coil cartridges? Really? Is it because I asked for a reason? Did that do me in?

DARTH AUDIO · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Jun 2004, 07:02 pm »

Half an answer..

Shelter 501 MKII
Lyra Argo

zybar · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Jun 2004, 07:37 pm »

Stretch the budget slightly and get a Benz Glider.

You will be hard pressed to beat it at the $300ish price point.

I used one for 5+ years on a Linn LP12 with great results.

George

Carlman · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Jun 2004, 08:08 pm »

Thanks for the suggestions... looks like the problem is I'm asking for $700 performance in a $300 cartridge... always the way... The Needledoctor recommended the Blue Point Special but they didn't know there was a third generation of it. That was a bit of a letdown. I've heard mixed reviews of the BPS but the 3rd gen is supposed to be great. And, since it's a Sumiko, it should work well on my arm.

I recently talked to someone else who recommended the Shelter. I didn't realize they were $800, though.

That's a lot of dough... I'd have to wait for a used one. But, I'm sure it's in a class well above the $200-300 stuff. (or at least, it better be)

zybar · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Jun 2004, 08:13 pm »

Carl,

If you go used, you can get $700 performance for $300ish. I would just be careful about buying a used cartridge. You really need to trust the buyer.

Best of luck.

George

soliver · « **Reply #8 on:** 8 Jun 2004, 12:45 pm »

There are not that many $100-300 high output moving coil options out there, if any.

A couple names that aren't quite in your range but closer than the Shelter Argo or Glider are the:
Dynavector 17D... - $375
Dynavector 20X... - $500
Benz ACE - $500

michael w · « **Reply #9 on:** 10 Jun 2004, 08:06 am »

Where can you get a Dynavector DV17 (D2 MkII ?) for $375 ?

They are $750 new.

The less good 10X5 HO is $360-ish.

If you like the Adcom so much an option is to get it rebuilt but that is most likely to cost more than $300.

The Sumiko BPS is my pick in HO MC's.

An outside pick would be a Grado Platinum.

What's the input sensitivity on your phono stage ?
If it's high-ish you may even get away with running a medium output MC ( say ~0.5mV) into it.

The Shelter and Lyra are excellent but too expensive.