Too many phono cartridges, need to sell some
billbillw
Posts: 7,446
EDIT: Everything is sold or I've decided to keep what's left. Thanks.
This is part interest check, part sale. I just aquired a nice moving coil cartridge that should be here in a couple days. I realized that with this new one, I will now have 4 unused cartridges, and two nice headshells. I always like to keep at least one back up, so they won't all be for sale.
Here is what I have:
Audio-Technica AT155LC, just about perfect, serial number in the 300 range. Low hours on a genuine original stylus (probably less than 200). I'm using this right now on my VPI and its an excellent performer. Tracks perfect, smooth, detailed sound throughout the range. Very crisp highs. This is a medium-high compliance cartridge with a hollow beryillium cantilever and AT's Line Contact nude square stylus. Very low moving mass. Sold for about $400 back in the 80s, when it was AT's TOTL MM cart in the 80s and one of their best MM carts ever. Very comparable to the Shure V15VxMR. I've seen several people at Vinylasylum and AK say they like it better than the Shure. It is high output at 5.0mV. New genuine styli are still available at Stereoneedles.com and at Turntableneedles.com. (The later has the better price right now at $120) Works best with medium or light weight arms. You can see the brochure at Vinylengine (its in the 1982 brochure) I'd like to get $120 shipped for this beauty. SOLD to Carl (schwarcw)
Next up is the well know Shure M97xE. High output MM, 4.0mV output. Bought new last summer. Used only briefly on my Yamaha YP-D8 and for a short time on my Oracle. Easily less than 100 hours on this baby. Known to be one of the best carts under $100. Smooth midrange. Not overly bright. This is also a medium-high compliance cart, but the dynamic stabilizer (brush) will make this perform much better if you mount it to a heavier arm. This thing tracks perfect too. If you've got a bright system, this is a good match because its very warm sounding. I still have the metal box, alignment protractor, tools, etc. I'd like to get $50 shipped for it. Great entry level cart. SOLD to Joeparaski
EDIT: I've decided I will hold onto the AT15Sa as a backup cartridge.
I also have a couple of very nice universal headshells for S-shaped bayonet mounted arms.
One is the Audio-Technica AT-MS8, an 8 gram magnesium shell with dampening strip integrated. These are nice because they have fixed mounting holes so you get perfect alignment. This was one of their best. I'll include 2 or 3 sets of mounting screws of various lengths to fit different carts. $OLD to Old Sycamore Tree.
The other is the Audio-Technica AT-MG10, a 10 gram magnesium shell. Very stiff. This one comes with original box, etc and a few different sets of mounting screws. Comes with leads. I decided to keep this one for my AT15SA.
Both of these headshells can be seen in the same 1982 brochure that is available at VinylEngine.
Edit: Pics below of the AT-MS8 headshell and the AT-MG10. The MG10 is essentially new. Just mounted my spare AT15Sa on it. It was new in box when I got it.
This is part interest check, part sale. I just aquired a nice moving coil cartridge that should be here in a couple days. I realized that with this new one, I will now have 4 unused cartridges, and two nice headshells. I always like to keep at least one back up, so they won't all be for sale.
Here is what I have:
Audio-Technica AT155LC, just about perfect, serial number in the 300 range. Low hours on a genuine original stylus (probably less than 200). I'm using this right now on my VPI and its an excellent performer. Tracks perfect, smooth, detailed sound throughout the range. Very crisp highs. This is a medium-high compliance cartridge with a hollow beryillium cantilever and AT's Line Contact nude square stylus. Very low moving mass. Sold for about $400 back in the 80s, when it was AT's TOTL MM cart in the 80s and one of their best MM carts ever. Very comparable to the Shure V15VxMR. I've seen several people at Vinylasylum and AK say they like it better than the Shure. It is high output at 5.0mV. New genuine styli are still available at Stereoneedles.com and at Turntableneedles.com. (The later has the better price right now at $120) Works best with medium or light weight arms. You can see the brochure at Vinylengine (its in the 1982 brochure) I'd like to get $120 shipped for this beauty. SOLD to Carl (schwarcw)
Next up is the well know Shure M97xE. High output MM, 4.0mV output. Bought new last summer. Used only briefly on my Yamaha YP-D8 and for a short time on my Oracle. Easily less than 100 hours on this baby. Known to be one of the best carts under $100. Smooth midrange. Not overly bright. This is also a medium-high compliance cart, but the dynamic stabilizer (brush) will make this perform much better if you mount it to a heavier arm. This thing tracks perfect too. If you've got a bright system, this is a good match because its very warm sounding. I still have the metal box, alignment protractor, tools, etc. I'd like to get $50 shipped for it. Great entry level cart. SOLD to Joeparaski
EDIT: I've decided I will hold onto the AT15Sa as a backup cartridge.
I also have a couple of very nice universal headshells for S-shaped bayonet mounted arms.
One is the Audio-Technica AT-MS8, an 8 gram magnesium shell with dampening strip integrated. These are nice because they have fixed mounting holes so you get perfect alignment. This was one of their best. I'll include 2 or 3 sets of mounting screws of various lengths to fit different carts. $OLD to Old Sycamore Tree.
The other is the Audio-Technica AT-MG10, a 10 gram magnesium shell. Very stiff. This one comes with original box, etc and a few different sets of mounting screws. Comes with leads. I decided to keep this one for my AT15SA.
Both of these headshells can be seen in the same 1982 brochure that is available at VinylEngine.
Edit: Pics below of the AT-MS8 headshell and the AT-MG10. The MG10 is essentially new. Just mounted my spare AT15Sa on it. It was new in box when I got it.
Post edited by billbillw on
Comments
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I just remembered that I also have an Audioquest Sorbogel mat that I'm not using. The VPI doesn't need a mat, so its packed away. These sell new for $100. This one is like new, very little use, original packing sleeve (looks like a record jacket). Asking for $55, shipped. SOLD to Joeparaski
Pics below of actual mat. Discoloration was there from the start. On the table, they don't show. It really the flash that brings it out. -
billbillw wrote:I just remembered that I also have an Audioquest Sorbogel mat that I'm not using. The VPI doesn't need a mat, so its packed away. These sell new for $100. This one is like new, very little use, original packing sleeve (looks like a record jacket). Asking for $55, shipped.
Would the mat work with a record clamp or is a mat not needed when using a clamp? -
candyliquor35m wrote:Would the mat work with a record clamp or is a mat not needed when using a clamp?
I don't see why the mat wouldn't work with a record clamp, unless your spindle is very short; However, this mat is somewhat sticky and it grips the record very well.
I found that it held the records quite well without a clamp if you just press down on the record surface (with a cloth or Discwasher type brush).
That said, I feel that a clamp is somewhat of a waste with this mat. -
billbillw wrote:I don't see why the mat wouldn't work with a record clamp, unless your spindle is very short; However, this mat is somewhat sticky and it grips the record very well.
I found that it held the records quite well without a clamp if you just press down on the record surface (with a cloth or Discwasher type brush).
That said, I feel that a clamp is somewhat of a waste with this mat.
I'll hold off since I already have Joe's clamp. Thanks.
Another question. So is the AT155LC your favorite cartridge right now? I have a Shure M97xE and like it and have a AT440MLa and like it. I'm not showing an interest yet, just asking questions so everyone else please jump on these good deals. -
candyliquor35m wrote:I'll hold off since I already have Joe's clamp. Thanks.
Another question. So is the AT155LC your favorite cartridge right now? I have a Shure M97xE and like it and have a AT440MLa and like it. I'm not showing an interest yet, just asking questions so everyone else please jump on these good deals.
Favorite? I can't afford my favorite! No, really, its the best cartridge I've used so far. It should be a mile or two better than the 440MLa. The 440 was based on the 140LC which was a cheapened, plastic body version of the 155LC. Beryllium makes the best cantilever material, but its too hard to get now, that's why you have seen them all switch to Boron. -
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billbillw:
You seem to have some knowledge of AT cartridges. I would have been intrerested in either your ATs if I hadn't already just recently bought a NOS AT DR500LC. Are you at all familiar with this model? I bought it kinda on a whim. Seemed to have good reviews for what little I found. It visually, for whatever that's worth, seems very well made. Have not mounted it yet since I wanted to first get another headshell for my Denon DP 52F. This and other similar direct drive Denon TTs have a headshell that is Denon-specific for this style of tonearm. I want a second headshell to do some A/B comparison's but haven't found one yet that will work. My currently mounted cartridge on this (my primary, not only) TT is a Signet TK7E (which was also an AT sub-brand).
While I'm at it (sorry for the hijack) do you have any mounting/alignmment gizmos you are, or willing, to sell? If not, any preferred recommendations for inexpensive yet effective gadgets to help mount/align cartridge? I was contemplating getting the Hi-Fi News test record which has an alignment tool in addition to many test recordings for setup.
Thanks -
I've seen the DR500LC. It looks to me like an updated version of either the AT13, 14, or 15. Same body style. If so, its probably very similar to my current AT15Sa and/or the AT14Sa that I had before.
A good source for free alignment protractors is at www.vinylengine.com
They have several to choose from.
Its also nice to have a test record anyway. Its on my list of things to get. The HiFi News one is supposed to be very good.capecodder wrote:billbillw:
You seem to have some knowledge of AT cartridges. I would have been intrerested in either your ATs if I hadn't already just recently bought a NOS AT DR500LC. Are you at all familiar with this model? I bought it kinda on a whim. Seemed to have good reviews for what little I found. It visually, for whatever that's worth, seems very well made. Have not mounted it yet since I wanted to first get another headshell for my Denon DP 52F. This and other similar direct drive Denon TTs have a headshell that is Denon-specific for this style of tonearm. I want a second headshell to do some A/B comparison's but haven't found one yet that will work. My currently mounted cartridge on this (my primary, not only) TT is a Signet TK7E (which was also an AT sub-brand).
While I'm at it (sorry for the hijack) do you have any mounting/alignmment gizmos you are, or willing, to sell? If not, any preferred recommendations for inexpensive yet effective gadgets to help mount/align cartridge? I was contemplating getting the Hi-Fi News test record which has an alignment tool in addition to many test recordings for setup.
Thanks -
Thanks. Yeah I've seen (but not really read about them all) the freebee protractors at Vinylengine. As usual not sure which one to try. I have never mounted a cartridge with any real "thought" to the proper alignment. In past, it was always simply a visual "looks good to me" approach. I think I also want to try the HI-FI test record. I wish they weren't about $50 for what will probably be a one time, or at least quite infrequent, use.
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capecodder wrote:Thanks. Yeah I've seen (but not really read about them all) the freebee protractors at Vinylengine. As usual not sure which one to try. I have never mounted a cartridge with any real "thought" to the proper alignment. In past, it was always simply a visual "looks good to me" approach. I think I also want to try the HI-FI test record. I wish they weren't about $50 for what will probably be a one time, or at least quite infrequent, use.
According to the manual, overhang should be 14mm. Although the VE tonearm database doesn't have your specific arm, I'm guessing it is probably the same as the the other Denons from that era (67L). They indicate null points at 57.9 and 114.6 degrees, which doesn't match any of the standard protractors. I think the Stevenson is probably closest though (at 60.325 and 117.42). -
Hi,
Capecopper PM me. I have a denon head shell, s wand and other parts from my DP-72 if you still need it. Sorry for the hijack billbillwMain system: Lyngdorf TDAI-2170 w Polk LSiM 703/ Pioneer 42" plasma w Flex Streamer, Sangaen HDT-1tuner
Vinyl: Nothingham Spacedeck->Pioneer PL L1000 linear arm->Soundsmith DL 103R w Contact line stylus->SUT->
Bottlehead Eros
Digital: I7 PC w/ Jriver playing flac -> Sonore Ultrarendu -> Twisted Pair Audio ESS 9028 w/ Mercury IVY
CD: DIY Shigaclone
Vinyl rips: ESI Juli@24/192->Goldwave->i7 PC server -
billbillw: Thanks for data. You have provided more info in couple of hours than I have taken the time to research in couple months. Of course I now must figure out what to do with it.:o
Biker- PM com'n atcha.. -
I have a AT15S will your stylus fit. My son broke it off 14 years ago I've been looking. I'm interested.
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catmat10_2 wrote:I have a AT15S will your stylus fit. My son broke it off 14 years ago I've been looking. I'm interested.
Not really sure if the AT15S is the same as the 15SA. Not really looking to sell the stylus by itself. You'd be best to just buy a new old stock genuine AT stylus for it. Check with Ed Saunders (www.jukemania.com), or Stereoneedles.com for the correct one.
Just an update folks: I still have the two headshells, the Shure M97xE, and the AQ Sorbogel mat for sale. I'd like to keep the AT15Sa as a backup to my OC9ML/II. I will provide pictures if anyone is interested. -
I would be interested in your M97xE. And what about that mat? Yes, I'd like pictures.
JoeAmplifiers: 1-SAE Mark IV, 4-SAE 2400, 1-SAE 2500, 2-SAE 2600, 1-Buttkicker BKA 1000N w/2-tactile transducers. Sources: Sony BDP CX7000es, Sony CX300/CX400/CX450/CX455, SAE 8000 tuner, Akai 4000D R2R, Technics 1100A TT, Epson 8500UB with Carada 100". Speakers:Polk SDA SRS, 3.1TL, FXi5, FXi3, 2-SVS 20-29, Yamaha, SVS center sub. Power:2-Monster HTS3500, Furman M-8D & RR16 Plus. 2-SAE 4000 X-overs, SAE 5000a noise reduction, MSB Link DAC III, MSB Powerbase, Behringer 2496, Monarchy DIP 24/96. -
I'll get some pictures up later tonight.
The mat is the same Audioquest Sorbogel mat that they still sell today for $95
See here: http://www.musicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=AAQMATGEL
The mat works great on tables with metal or glass platters. I was using this on my Oracle and later on my Technics. Now, with the VPI, it really I don't use it since the VPI has an acrylic platter and seems to work best with no mat.
Joe, do you have a US shipping address? It would make things easier. Otherwise I might have to add a few bucks for shipping to Canada. I should have specified that the prices included shipping within the US.joeparaski wrote:I would be interested in your M97xE. And what about that mat? Yes, I'd like pictures.
Joe -
joeparaski wrote:I would be interested in your M97xE. And what about that mat? Yes, I'd like pictures.
Joe
Here are some pics of the M97xE. A very honest, conservative estimate of less than 100 hours on this cart. Its been in storage for most of the time I've owned it.
See pictures of the SorboGel mat and the two headshells at the top of the thread. -
Ok, the Shure M97 and the AQ Sorbo mat are sold to Joe. Any takers on the either one of the headshells?
