good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6

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Cheeseboy

good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« on: 4 Aug 2013, 03:56 am »
Recommendation for a $100 to $150 cartridge for this table.  It is hooked up to a mediocre AV receiver.

Cheeseboy

Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #1 on: 4 Aug 2013, 04:10 am »
It is connected to a Yamaha HTR6090 receiver and is compatable with MM or MC high output. 

S Clark

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Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #2 on: 4 Aug 2013, 01:41 pm »
On the advice of John TCG, I picked up one of these turntables and the cartridge he recommended was the ADC XLM MkII.  I checking around, they are about $50-75 higher than when I bought mine.  The cheapest I've seen is about $180.  There are often some floating around ebay.
I did replace mine with a better cartridge, but not in that $150 range.   You might also look at the Denon 110. I suspect it would be a very good fit, and at or slightly below your budget. 
Scott

MaxCast

Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #3 on: 4 Aug 2013, 01:42 pm »
I bought a $50 Grado cart and upgraded the stylus with a 8MZ stylus $100.  I enjoy this over the AT440LMa, or a Shure 91 with SAS stylus.
Highly recommended.  It is a MM set up.

neobop

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Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #4 on: 4 Aug 2013, 03:53 pm »
Hi,
You didn't mention anything about the sound you're looking for, so I guess you want the "highest quality" possible in the price range.
 I think the Denon DL-110 is an excellent idea.  It's a high output MC and a good match for your S arm w/removable headshell.

If your arm is one of those JVCs with fluid damping, you could probably use a higher compliance cart like a Grado, successfully. A match like that isn't ideal IMO, but it should work if it doesn't hum from proximity to the motor.  On Audio Karma there's a list of tables compatible with Grados. 

Most modern carts have compliance similar to Grado, but there are two AT MM carts with suitable stiffness.  The AT-7V is one such cart and many are quite pleased with it. The AT-95E is a budget cart that sounds very good on a medium mass arm.  There are also upgraded styli available that boost performance.

I'm not familiar with your Yamaha and its phono stage, which is a consideration for match-up.  The DL-110 is probably the safest bet for that.  I had a DL-160 - used to be the next model up and very nice.  In some ways I think the 110 might be a little better. 
Grados are really good for vocals with a liquid midrange.  They also tend to have big bass.
ATs have a reputation for being bright, but not the two I mentioned.  They should feed a low capacitance phono input though.
If you want more detailed info, let us know about fluid damping, input capacitance, your speakers-sound you seek, etc.  If you do a Google search for these carts, you'll find a ton of info.
neo 

JackD

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Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #5 on: 4 Aug 2013, 04:45 pm »
Neo

The OP's TT does have oil damping in both planes, plus the Grado does not hum with that DC DD Motor.  I have tried the Grado combo with that same TT.

neobop

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Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #6 on: 4 Aug 2013, 07:23 pm »
Neo

The OP's TT does have oil damping in both planes, plus the Grado does not hum with that DC DD Motor.  I have tried the Grado combo with that same TT.

In that case you can get an idea of the sound by going to the link on the first post of this thread:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=114610.0

I think you'll find the Grados represented, and the DL110.

I don't think the ATs are on there.  Don't go by the 440, it has a different balance to the sound.  The AT7V is flatter and sweeter, but retains more of that detailed presentation.  Whatever you choose, feel free to ask questions or let us know how it's working out.
neo

JackD

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Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #7 on: 4 Aug 2013, 07:41 pm »
Both the Grado Black/8MZ and the Denon DL-110 both sound better than they have a right to for the cost involved.  There are a couple of differences to me that are worth noting. With the Grado Black/8MZ combo you will have the spare Black stylus to test used purchases or to play less than pristine lp's.  This combo also sounds fine with most  phono preamps standard 47kohm loading.  The Denon on the other hand to me is way to forward and aggressive into 47k plus a little light in the bottom.  It really came into its own when loaded at 10k and was acceptable at 16k.  Some like it loaded lower, but I didn't. It also has a stylus that is not user replaceable.  If you are comfortable making a set of loading plugs for less than $5, then either combo will work.

Cheeseboy

Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #8 on: 6 Aug 2013, 10:06 pm »
I'm checking all of this as fast as I can.  I am so appriciative of the feedback.  This is the greatest audio forum alive.  Thank all of you.

Cheeseboy

Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #9 on: 8 Aug 2013, 04:00 pm »
Jack,

So you are saying buy the Grado Black and upgrade the stylus to the 8MZ.  Keep the stylus the Black came with for nasty surfaces.  Is that correct?

Steve

JackD

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Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #10 on: 8 Aug 2013, 04:12 pm »
Steve

Yes that is correct.  Plus if you order them both from Needle Doctor you can choose the free UPS shipping to save a few bucks. The only other dealer that stocks the 8MZ is LPGear and their shipping is $8.  Plus it will take the 8MZ stylus about 10 hours to really open up.

Jack

Cheeseboy

Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #11 on: 8 Aug 2013, 09:59 pm »
Jack,

That makes great sense.  I appreciate your feedback. 

Steve

JackD

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Re: good sounding cartridge for a JVC QLF6
« Reply #12 on: 8 Aug 2013, 10:03 pm »
Glad to help.  Also the 8MZ likes to track between 1.6 - 1.65 grams with little to no anti-skating.