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Compatibility question

I have an AR XA Turntable with the factory arm and head shell. The head shell has a broken tab and needs to be replaced. When I find the new head I want to mount a Supex Mc 900 Super Cartridge to it and will be using a Yamaha C-4 pre-amp with a Phono setting for Mc cartridges. My question is are all of these components compatible?

kpatt
kpatt OP
3 posts
 

If I mounted the cartridge to a replica head on the original arm what, in your opinion would be the loss in sound quality. Would it be minor or a complete disaster?

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
813 posts
 

Not a complete disaster. Since it is a pivoted arm the areas of maximum distortion are at the start and end of an LP. With proper alignment there will be a broader area at the center where distortion is lowest. The farther off the alignment the smaller this area is and distortion at the start and end greater. I would make the effort to maximize alignment, especially if you plan long term use of the AR. 

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
813 posts
 

You can look up Baerwald, Lofgren and Stephenson alignments. These are all based upon sound mathematical engineering studies. 

 

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