$600 on a cartridge.. IDEAS??

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Comments

  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited December 2010
    Zu/DL-103- Grade 2 - It's certainly the finest cartridge I personally have ever heard on my TT.

    http://zuaudio.com/store/phono/

    Here is a review of the original, which Grade 2 is even better IMO: http://www.stereophile.com/content/zu-audio-dl-103-mc-phono-cartridge

    Regardless of what you think about Zu speakers, (I personally don't care for them) these cartridges are undeniable. My stock 103r is fantastic, but these are on another level altogether.
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited December 2010
    If you end up with a Lo Output MC,,it would benefit you to try a SUT--you can thank me later.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited December 2010
    Joe08867 wrote: »
    Not a Technics hater just think there are better choices. Upgrades would be a good idea me thinks,

    I agree but I bought this brand new about a year and a half ago. I think I will kick it around a little longer..:tongue:
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  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited December 2010
    Yeah I guess I should've asked what type of phono stage you have. A step-up transformer might be necessary.
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited December 2010
    And synergistically I can't comment on runnng that cart. on a Technics.
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2010
    Not hatin' on your table at all, I just feel the law of diminishing returns comes into play when running a $600 cartridge on an entry level TT. With a serious jump in performance at the $1500 level on TT's, your $600 bucks could go a long way to that end.
    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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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2010
    Larry PM sent your way!
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited December 2010
    On my Pro-ject 6.9 right now I'm using a Benz Micro Glider M2 that I picked up used for $375 (retails $1000). This is the most detailed cart I've ever heard and it looks beautiful too. .8mV output which puts it in the medium output range. There's one on the 'Gon right now for $625.
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1296610021&/Benz-micro-M2

    229151.jpg
    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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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited December 2010
    there both pretty cool dudes the double down dawgs.

    RT1
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited December 2010
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    Thanks!!!

    I have some tube amps that will be sitting in my house Saturday afternoon. Thats more important at the moment...:biggrin:

    Excellent.

    Tubes Rule.

    RT1
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2010
    Have had conversations and dealing with both Dawg's and they are both great guys.
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited December 2010
    Keiko wrote: »
    Now this really gave me a steifel. :biggrin:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKcG9y-k3ic&feature=player_embedded#!

    That TT and arm are very sexy. As are the Mc pre and amp. Oh ya and that Dynavector was pretty too. Looking forward to a full review Mike.
    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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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited December 2010
    Thank you folks you got me all blushing and everything. I just have to say one thing though; who said I was house broken.......;-)
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited December 2010
    Dawgfish wrote: »
    Thank you folks you got me all blushing and everything. I just have to say one thing though; who said I was house broken.......;-)

    hehe!!! "rub your nose in it and throw you outside"
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  • Joe08867
    Joe08867 Posts: 3,919
    edited December 2010
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    I agree but I bought this brand new about a year and a half ago. I think I will kick it around a little longer..:tongue:

    That makes sense. I would do the same thing too. I thought you had that TT for a while but a year is nothing in the Vinyl world.

    I still say go Grado, and Platter.
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  • doctorcilantro
    doctorcilantro Posts: 2,028
    edited December 2010
    You may want to even look into the Soundsmith moving irons, he has a bunch of models and they are all based on the same design. The tiers, on the upper end, end being how exact the stylus is mounted on the cantilever IIRC. Probably a great bang for the buck.

    You'd have to check into the mating w/ your tonearm as the lowest compliance offered is 22cu:

    http://www.needledoctor.com/Soundsmith-SMMC2-Phono-Cartridge?sc=2&category=35414
    For Sale 2019:
    Tortuga Audio LDR passive preamp
    Decware EL34 amp
    Allnic H-1201 phono
    Zu Union Cubes
    iFi iDSD DAC, .5m UBS, iFI Gemini cable, Oyaide Tunami XLR 1.3M, Oyaide Tunami Speaker wire 1.5M, Beyerdynamic DT1990 headphones, PS Audio P3 power center

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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2010
    Keiko wrote: »
    Now this really gave me a steifel. :biggrin:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKcG9y-k3ic&feature=player_embedded#!

    Despite the crappy record clamp that table and arm are sooooo sexy!
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited December 2010
    You have some great cartridge suggestions. I lean toward Dynavector. Then again it depends on the table. Just make sure the cartridge compliance is correct for the arm.
    Keiko wrote: »
    Now this really gave me a steifel. :biggrin:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKcG9y-k3ic&feature=player_embedded#!

    Nice!

    A first digital movie camera test....Joe, if you watch it, you'll have to suffer through a minute of digital.:tongue::biggrin: I agree with Kate; once the needle drops, Ooh, I just know that something good is gonna happen.:wink:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIJX9TmlaSM
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2010
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    You have some great cartridge suggestions. I lean toward Dynavector. Then again it depends on the table. Just make sure the cartridge compliance is correct for the arm.



    Nice!

    A first digital movie camera test....Joe, if you watch it, you'll have to suffer through a minute of digital.:tongue::biggrin: I agree with Kate; once the needle drops, Ooh, I just know that something good is gonna happen.:wink:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIJX9TmlaSM

    That's awesome Rich! That outer ring and weight are a sight to behold. BTW did you try The Clamp with the outer ring? If so did it work?

    "You broke my heart Fredo, you broke my heart!":wink:
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited December 2010
    Rich i think your other audio device sounds better than that:tongue:
    http://www.youtube.com/user/SCompRacer#p/a/u/0/Ru-8Pfrosp4
    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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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited December 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    BTW did you try The Clamp with the outer ring?

    No, I am sure it would just force the thin graphite mat into the label recess and lift at the edges like it did before, even with the ring on. I still have The Clamp....but a TT upgrade I want that it would work on is far off now.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited December 2010
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Rich i think your other audio device sounds better than that:tongue:
    http://www.youtube.com/user/SCompRacer#p/a/u/0/Ru-8Pfrosp4

    It would be even better if Freddie was belting out the words! I had to change the batteries, darn thing is getting worn out with all the Bear's wins.:eek::biggrin:

    I want to point out the wife is a Bear's fan, and she squeezes the Hamsters foot to get it to sing "We Are The Champions" and dance. Otherwise folks that wouldn't click on the link might think I ain't geting the job done here and she is using some other battery operated device....
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited December 2010
    Keiko wrote: »
    PoP! Goes the weasel. :tongue: :biggrin:

    ROFLMAO

    That's an amazing setup, Rich. Mesmerizing! Now I want to buy that Bjork album too. :wink:

    Thanks! There are a couple of different CD single versions with various mixes for All Is Full Of Love. My fav is the video version 63723-2 (AND I REALLY like the video!), and it has a soft cover. The album version 242TP7CDL is pictured in my video and has a hard plastic CD case.

    Oh, and the video version CD has the album version on it, track 4.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2010
    SCompRacer wrote: »
    ROFLMAO




    Thanks! There are a couple of different CD single versions with various mixes for All Is Full Of Love. My fav is the video version (AND I REALLY like the video!), and it has a soft cover. The album version is pictured in my video and has a hard plastic CD case.

    On day Rich, I want to get out there and hear your rig first hand especially the window panes.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited December 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    On day Rich, I want to get out there and hear your rig first hand especially the window panes.

    If you watched the video, you have heard it....:tongue::biggrin:

    Dear wife got a full size couch and added a chair to the living room, so I am back to a West wall setup most of the time. She is laid up right now with a broke leg, so we are back to the better South wall setup.:wink::biggrin:
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2010
    Next in line; ZYX Fuji then the big boy; ZYX Airy 3:biggrin::tongue:
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited December 2010
    Keiko wrote: »
    Dyna's here! :biggrin:

    Keep me posted would you??? with these amps I might hold a little longer..
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2010
    Mike be very careful with that exposed cantilever! No long sleeve shirts (like you wear them in Hawaii:rolleyes:), no booze until you are done then sit back and let that red beauty break in.
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited December 2010
    I recently received a replacement stylus for my Audio Technica AT20SLa from Jico Japan and it honestly sounded like crap at first but by about 20 hours it was loosening up and sounding much better. Now it sounds like the original AT stylus. I also have a Clearaudio Aurum Classic that took a good 50 hours to settle in and sound good. Be patient Mike but spin lots of vinyl and it will come. Congrats on the new Dyna!!!
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter