[SoundsGoodtoMe]

Hello

I was hoping someone knows a good cartridge for the SME arm, I am currently using a Stanton 681EEE series 3 which works great but was considering trying a Dennon DL-310 II or a Dynavector 10x5 and last choice Shure V series V.

The turntable is a Transcriptor Spyder

Thank you!

[vinyl_lady]

Sumiko Blackbird is a cartridge you might consider.

[Dieterle Tool]

Looking at the resonant frequencies of the combo of arm (SME at 12.5 gr) and assuming the cartridges you are opting for are rated at 10 Hz, for compliance, not 100 Hz...

Using the resonance Frequency calculator:

The Denon (6 gr + 2 gr for hardware) + 12.5 gr = 20.5 (13 x 10*6) = 9.75 Hz
The Dyna (7.3 gr + 2 gr for hardware) + 12.5 gr = 21.8 (12 x 10*6) = 9.84 Hz
The Shure (6 gr + 2 gr for hardware) + 12.5 = 20.5 (rated 46 cn/dyn at 1,000 Hz) 46(.18)= 8.3 cn/dyn= 12.2 Hz (assuming its the shure V15 type V)

Ideal res. freq. being between 10-12 Hz, they're all good with your arm. But big difference between the Denon's 0.4 mV & the Dyna's 2.5 mV output. It comes down to your phono stage gain.
The Shure uses a better stylus profile, Jico SAS. I think I would go that route.

Someone should check my numbers, lol. Did it quickly and there is always varying specs, especially that Shure and its various models.

-Dieter

[SET Man]

Hello

I was hoping someone knows a good cartridge for the SME arm, I am currently using a Stanton 681EEE series 3 which works great but was considering trying a Dennon DL-310 II or a Dynavector 10x5 and last choice Shure V series V.

The turntable is a Transcriptor Spyder

Thank you!

Hey!

      Transcriptor turntable and SME arm? Well, sound like my set up here. Actually I running the Transcriptor Hydraulic Reference, I think this one was made in 1971-72 I think and SME 3009 Series II with Benz Micro ACE high output MC. I also have the SME 3009 S2 Improved of which I bought first.

     I was using the Benz Micro ACE HO MC with 3009 S2 Improved and it was fine but I found that it sounded better when I use the silicone damping with it. Then I bought a 3009 Series II and with a bit more mass it acutally works better with my Benz without the silicone damping. The Benz Micro ACE HO MC have compliance of 15.

    To sum up. If you have the SME 3009 Series II, Dynavector 10x5 should work fine with it, but might not be a good match with the lower mass later SME 3009 S2 Improved. With SME 3009 S2 Improved I would look for higher compliance cart, the Shure should be a good match for that and so are many other MM carts.

    Anyway, I'll be thinking of a new cart to match my SME 3009 Series II soon, my Benze Micro ACE HO MC is getting old.

   Hope this help. And keep us posted I will be interested in what cart you ended up with on that set up. And by the way, any pic of your Transcriptor, would love to see that!
Buddy