$600 on a cartridge.. IDEAS??

Toolfan66
Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
edited December 2010 in 2 Channel Audio
I want to try something different here and I don't want to spend more then $600 on a new cartridge.

I have the Technics SL-1210M5G and I have the Denon DL-160 so I would like to have a good upgrade here to put in the mix..

Ideas from any of you TT guys would be great..

Thanks!!!!
Post edited by Toolfan66 on
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Comments

  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,420
    edited December 2010
    I would not hesitate to recommend grabbing a Sumiko Bluepoint Special EVOIII and save yourself a couple hundred bucks. I love the improvement over the DL-160 I had previously.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • AudioGenics
    AudioGenics Posts: 2,567
    edited December 2010
    Grado Sonata1

    http://www.gradolabs.com/frameset_main.htm
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  • fbm211
    fbm211 Posts: 1,488
    edited December 2010
    LP gear has some new audio technica carts at good prices.I like this one...

    http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=ATOC9III&Category_Code=A3

    For a good deal this one is on sale at a great price.

    http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=ATC01&Category_Code=A3
    SDA-2BTL with custom IC
    Adcom 565 monoblocks--Monarchy Audio M-10 preamp
    Theta Data Basic Transport--Stello DA100 Signature DAC--Camelot Dragon Pro2 MK III
    Harman Kardon T-55c TT
    DH Labs Q-10 Signature Speaker Cables With Furez silver plated copper bananas
    Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference AES/EBU
    Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver i2s digital cable
    4 Furutech FP-314Ag with FI-11cu Plugs/FI-11AG IECs--- Power Cords
    DH LABS REVELATIONS ICs-amps
    Revelation Audio Labs Paradise cryo-silver ICs-Source to pre
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  • vmaxer
    vmaxer Posts: 5,117
    edited December 2010
    Anyone here ever tried anything from Lyra??
    Pio Elete Pro 520
    Panamax 5400-EX
    Sunfire TGP 5
    Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
    PS Audio GCPH phono pre
    Sunfire CG 200 X 5
    Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
    OPPO BDP-83 SE
    SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
    Ctr CS1000p
    Sur - FX1000 x 4
    SUB - SVS PB2-Plus

    Workkout room:
    Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
    Onkyo TX-DS898
    GFA 555
    Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
    Ft - SDA 1C

    Not being used:
    RTi 38's -4
    RT55i's - 2
    RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
    LSI 15's
    CSi40
    PSW 404
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited December 2010
    What ever your choice you should get an extra head shell so you can swap cartridges with ease.

    Edit: Did you rewire the tone arm yet?
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited December 2010
    Vinyl = Money Pit
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,151
    edited December 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Vinyl = Money Pit

    LOL....
    I have to agree already. And I've only gotten back into it 6 months ago..:biggrin:

    But it is fun, and brings back the good ol days for me to.
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited December 2010
    +1 on the AT OC9. Really really nice sounding.
    SDA-1C (full mods)
    Carver TFM-55
    NAD 1130 Pre-amp
    Rega Planar 3 TT/Shelter 501 MkII
    The Clamp
    Revox A77 Mk IV Dolby reel to reel
    Thorens TD160/Mission 774 arm/Stanton 881S Shibata
    Nakamichi CR7 Cassette Deck
    Rotel RCD-855 with modified tube output stage
    Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
    ADC Soundshaper 3 EQ
    Ben's IC's
    Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM
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  • bikerboy
    bikerboy Posts: 1,211
    edited December 2010
    What are you using for a phono amp? You're approaching Lo output mc carts dollar level. But there are many great mm available! I like the soundsmith retipped dl-103r I have. Good luck, phono is a tough nut to crack but its sure nice when it comes toghter.
    Main system: Lyngdorf TDAI 2170 w/ Pioneer 42" plazma-> Polk LSiM 703 w/Tivo, Marantz tuner, BRPTT: Nothingham Spacedeck-> Pioneer PL L1000 linear arm-> Soundsmith DL 103R-> SUT->Bottlehead ErosDigital: I3 PC w/ Jriver playing flac -> Sonore Ultrarendu -> Twisted Pair Audio ESS 9028 w/ Mercury IVY Vinyl rips: ESI Juli@24/192-> i3 PC server
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2010
    A can or worms...but I'm thinking I'd hold off and upgrade the table.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited December 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Vinyl = Money Pit

    This Hobby = Money pit..:tongue:tongue:
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited December 2010
    bikerboy wrote: »
    What are you using for a phono amp? You're approaching Lo output mc carts dollar level. But there are many great mm available! I like the soundsmith retipped dl-103r I have. Good luck, phono is a tough nut to crack but its sure nice when it comes toghter.

    I should have posted that my phono pre is a Jolida JD9
    TroyD wrote: »
    A can or worms...but I'm thinking I'd hold off and upgrade the table.

    BDT

    I have other plans before I upgrade to another table. Not sure how this is a can of worms???
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited December 2010
    Hmmm,, I'd tweak the Jolida,,,get some cinemags,,,and go with a lo output mc,such as the dyna 20 xl lo output,,or a soundsmith re-tipped-aftermarket bodied denon cart.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited December 2010
    george daniel wrote: »
    Hmmm,, I'd tweak the Jolida,,,get some cinemags,,,and go with a lo output mc,such as the dyna 20 xl lo output,,or a soundsmith re-tipped-aftermarket bodied denon cart.

    Cinemags?? I did upgrade the caps..
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited December 2010
    Step up trannies for lo-output moving coils,,I built mine and it made a HUGE difference,,,depth,detail,ain't talking subtle here

    http://www.bobsdevices.com/cinemag.htm

    or

    http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/392327/cinemag-sut

    My Dynavector 20 lo is at Soundsmith for a retip,,I did try it with the cine's before I shipped it and the sound was just amazing..I think that a Good cart will get you close,,but far too often the phono pre is overlooked,,in your case the JD 9 (tweaked) with the right tubes,,and the SUT will put some serious smiles on your face.Have fun,,and yes,,it is a slippery slope to say the least.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited December 2010
    Do not listen to the voices outside the path....I am the one and as such the oracle says.....clearaudio they are the best cartridge at this price point mostly cuz Alice told me last trip to the hole.

    RT1
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  • Joe08867
    Joe08867 Posts: 3,919
    edited December 2010
    I think your putting the cart before the TT.

    But if you really like what you have, rewire the tonearm, get an acrylic platter and the Grado mentioned earlier.
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  • miner
    miner Posts: 1,305
    edited December 2010
    vmaxer wrote: »
    Anyone here ever tried anything from Lyra??

    I have a Lyra Delos on a Rega P9 - very fluid and enticing. Prior to the Lyra I used a Dynavector DV-20XH.
    [
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited December 2010
    clearaudio trumps grado

    but its my baby and its not ugly........

    beware the voices.

    Tool your just going to have pickem, the good thing is there is a lot to pick from, but I would try the dynavector or the clearaudio, your going to dig either.

    RT1
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2010
    TroyD wrote: »
    A can or worms...but I'm thinking I'd hold off and upgrade the table.

    BDT

    Bingo.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2010
    Returning to vinyl has been nagging at me big time lately. It won't be a monumental rig, but respectable. I'm thinking Rega P3-24/Cambridge 640P. If I get to feeling really cocky, I'll go with a lower-end VPI/Clearaudio and a better pre. My biggest hurtle is finding a place for a turntable (see my showcase)--of course, a wall mounted plasma TV would cure that dilemma...:wink:
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited December 2010
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    Do not listen to the voices outside the path....I am the one and as such the oracle says.....clearaudio they are the best cartridge at this price point mostly cuz Alice told me last trip to the hole.

    RT1

    What model # ????
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited December 2010
    I'm running a Soundsmith modified Dynovector 20XH on my SL-1200 MK 2. I picked it up used with about 40 hrs on it off the 'Gon for $450. I'm also using a Jolida JD-9 as my phono preamp with RCA 12AX7 tubes (Thanks agian Jerry). The combo sounds fantastic. I've listened to some other tables costing way more than my set-up, and frankly they don't sound any better than my setup, at least to my ears.

    I also have a DL-160 I use for backup. The DL-160 is nice, but the modified DV 20X has a lot more detail, especially in the highs, a much more 3-d soundstage, and tracks much better. It's definitely a keeper.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited December 2010
    on the clearaudio the aurum series is excellent....if you can stretch that budget just a bit and I think you might the virtuoso and maestro

    the dynavector 20 I think BDT uses that its nice, tracks likes nobody's business.

    RT1
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited December 2010
    http://www.kabusa.com/frameset.htm?/
    Cheap upgrade for a big step forward.
    Then rewire the tone arm with Cardas tone arm wire.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited December 2010
    Good suggestions Ben! I'm running the KAB fluid tonearm damper, KAB record clamp, and their sonic dome sound isolation pods on my turntable isolation platform all with great success. I've also rewired my stock MK2 phono cable with the MK5 phono cable (oxygen free perfect surface copper instead of tin wiring and gold plated RCA plugs) and my tone-arm cable and headshell lead wires with Cardas with outstanding results. Since Larry is running a MK5 he may not here as big of a difference in performance between the stock MK5 tonearm cable and the Cardas (the MK5 tonearm cable is a big step up from the MK2 cable). I would still bet he would see a difference though. I've done the above mods to my SL-1200 along with the cartridge and phono preamp combo listed above, plus a Herbies Way Excellent Matt and frankly I couldn't be happier with the set-up. The bang for the buck factor is off the charts!
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited December 2010
    Good morning Steve. I have the Herbies, Denon DL-160, record clamp, and replaced the RCA ends. Rewiring is coming soon:wink:
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited December 2010
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    on the clearaudio the aurum series is excellent....if you can stretch that budget just a bit and I think you might the virtuoso and maestro

    the dynavector 20 I think BDT uses that its nice, tracks likes nobody's business.

    RT1


    Thanks!!!

    and to the Technics Haters I'm keeping mine.:wink: I will upgrade later..
    I have some tube amps that will be sitting in my house Saturday afternoon. Thats more important at the moment...:biggrin:
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  • Joe08867
    Joe08867 Posts: 3,919
    edited December 2010
    Not a Technics hater just think there are better choices. Upgrades would be a good idea me thinks,
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited December 2010
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Good morning Steve. I have the Herbies, Denon DL-160, record clamp, and replaced the RCA ends. Rewiring is coming soon:wink:

    Hey Ben! How's it going? I miss you down here man. PM me your number when you get a chance. Let me know how the tonearm rewiring goes! You'll be really happy with the Cardas wires.

    Larry, whatcha looking at as far as tube amps go this weekend? It sounds like one helluva good weekend to me! Enjoy and let us know the details please when you get a chance.
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