[Vinylfan II]

Hi all,

I'm currently using an AT-15Sa cart with a almost new original shibata stylus. I also switch to my AT-440Mla and my Fidelity Research FR-1MK3F (LOMC) from time to time and am thinking about purchasing this MC cart to add to the stable--from what I can see, it's a good price while on special at LP Gear and gets glowing reviews.

http://www.lpgear.com/product/ATC01.html

Would this be a significant step up from the aforementioned carts?  At the moment I am using an Ortofon STM-72 SUT. It has a step up ratio of 60:1. My question is, would I be compromising a lot on the performance using this vintage SUT? The SUT was meant to be used with very low output cartridges.

I am rather an amateur in MC/SUT game hence need advice on whether I should spend more money to get a better SUT to hear this potential new AT cart the way it is meant to sound or am I already doing OK with the STM-72? I also know a lot depends on system synergy. All carts are running through an Adcom-565 preamp using a Sony TTS-3000 table and Sony PUA-237 arm which is medium mass (I think).

Thanks all!

[neobop]

Hi, welcome to Vinyl Circle.
Interesting assortment of equipment.  You have very high value components for not a whole lot of money.  Looks like you do your homework.

I'm not familiar with the TTS-3000 - it comes without an arm, how about an armboard, do you have to make your own?  From the photo it looks like you use a separate arm pod/plinth.
I am somewhat familiar with the PUA-237.  I'm guessing it has an eff mass around 20g or more which would put it in the high mass category.  Even if the mass is somewhat lower and reduced even further using a lighter headshell, a cart like the 440 is probably about the maximum weight/compliance that should be used?

I'm somewhat reluctant to make a definitive statement in that regard, never owning a PUA-237.  However, I have a PUA-7 which looks similar and the mass is 20g.   Which brings us to the OC-9II.  Even if mass/cu is not a problem, I think your SUT would be.  With an output of .4mV you might overload the Adcom phono stage.  To my ears the OC9II is slightly forward and aggressive and too much gain might make it hard to take.  The cart looks like a good buy, but I think you should pass.
neo

[dlaloum]

Hmmm the AT15sa an AT440MLa are both very good cartridges...

Instead of the OC9, have you considered a stylus upgrade.... the ATN15ss/20ss can still be found, and there is the ATN150MLx - either alternative takes the respective cartridge into a different league - and is superior I believe to the OC9 - competitive with something like the AT33PTG in the Audio Technica MC range...

I would also check that all optimisation of cartridge loading has also been done, and check that the arm/cartridge matching is optimal....

My AT15ss is among the very best I have heard.... definitely better than the AT440MLa, but on a par with the AT152LP (earlier relative of the 150MLx)

A definite improvement over the 15 & 440 would require spending a lot more..... (Dynavector Karat?) the OC9 is more of a sideways step to MC but not really an improvement.

(Don't know the FR1.... although by reputation it is no slouch)