This is not a pitch for any inherent superiority of MM cartridges as some believe; there are great examples of both MM and MC. However, I know the EAR very well and I can say with confidence that the MM section is inherently better sounding than the MC section (MM+transformers). If the overall gain structure of your system allows it you may want to consider an excellent MM instead. Its higher output (+3mv) would allow you to bypass the transformers for potentially much better sound.
broken dreams - new cartridge help please!
I need help on selecting a replacement MC cartridge. Two years ago I put together my first serious vinyl system:
- Transfiguration Axia S MC cartridge
- VPI Scout 2 with upgraded heavy platter and JMW 10 tonearm
- EAR 83P preamp
- Line Magnetic LM-211 IA tube amp
- Legacy Studio HD Monitor speakers
Note I listed the cartridge first - I did a lot of research and perhaps spent an inordinate amount on it, but I got an amazing deal from a EU vendor from Audigon ($1100US - new in box). Loved the set up! Sound was better than I thought possible :-)
Now the sad part - last week my house cleaner snapped the cantilever off while dusting :-(. I had told her to leave the stereo to me to dust, but I guess the desire to clean what I hadn't for some time got the better of her. As the 10 JMW sticks out a bit from the VPI base and the acrylic dust cover no longer fits, it was exposed. Unfortunately, the plastic cantilever guard was such a difficult fit that I was more afraid of snapping the cantilever off trying to put it on and take off that I never used it.
I checked with Needle Doctor about replacing but as I suspected they cannot. I have emailed Immutable/Transfiguration but no response :-(
Sorry for the long preamble, but I had to commiserate with some one who might feel for me (my wife doesn't get it- she is happy listening to an Amazon Echo Plus).
Checking current prices on the Axia reveal $2450 new, $1600 used. Currently cannot afford that. I need to come in under $1000. Need some help from you more experienced audiophiles out there! My listening tastes are a bit eclectic, but center on rock and blues. Want to stick with a low output MC.
Here are some that I have been considering:
- Ortofon Quintet Black S MC
- Audio-Technica AT33Sa
- Dynavector 20X2L
- Sumiko Blackbird Low MC
I know some of these may retail over $1k, but I am not adverse to a low hour used cartridge or scouring the net for good deals.
Any help on the above options or alternatives would be very much appreciated :-)
Thanks, Rick.
- Transfiguration Axia S MC cartridge
- VPI Scout 2 with upgraded heavy platter and JMW 10 tonearm
- EAR 83P preamp
- Line Magnetic LM-211 IA tube amp
- Legacy Studio HD Monitor speakers
Note I listed the cartridge first - I did a lot of research and perhaps spent an inordinate amount on it, but I got an amazing deal from a EU vendor from Audigon ($1100US - new in box). Loved the set up! Sound was better than I thought possible :-)
Now the sad part - last week my house cleaner snapped the cantilever off while dusting :-(. I had told her to leave the stereo to me to dust, but I guess the desire to clean what I hadn't for some time got the better of her. As the 10 JMW sticks out a bit from the VPI base and the acrylic dust cover no longer fits, it was exposed. Unfortunately, the plastic cantilever guard was such a difficult fit that I was more afraid of snapping the cantilever off trying to put it on and take off that I never used it.
I checked with Needle Doctor about replacing but as I suspected they cannot. I have emailed Immutable/Transfiguration but no response :-(
Sorry for the long preamble, but I had to commiserate with some one who might feel for me (my wife doesn't get it- she is happy listening to an Amazon Echo Plus).
Checking current prices on the Axia reveal $2450 new, $1600 used. Currently cannot afford that. I need to come in under $1000. Need some help from you more experienced audiophiles out there! My listening tastes are a bit eclectic, but center on rock and blues. Want to stick with a low output MC.
Here are some that I have been considering:
- Ortofon Quintet Black S MC
- Audio-Technica AT33Sa
- Dynavector 20X2L
- Sumiko Blackbird Low MC
I know some of these may retail over $1k, but I am not adverse to a low hour used cartridge or scouring the net for good deals.
Any help on the above options or alternatives would be very much appreciated :-)
Thanks, Rick.
Showing 5 responses by frogman
I am sure others can offer suggestions as well. All of the MM’s that I have used with the EAR have been vintage MM’s and not that easy to find: AT ATML170-OCC, Empire 4000D III, Andante, Azden and Acutex LPM 420STR. All are excellent (the Andante not quite “excellent”). The EAR is a beautiful and fairly lush sounding unit and benefits from a cartridge that is not too “soft” sounding or lush itself. I found the Empire to be too soft sounding with the EAR in my all tube system. The best tonal balance was achieved with the Azden and the Acutex. Both those cartridges offered excellent definition and detail. I have not heard it, but the Ortofon 2M Black has been getting a lot of attention. Perhaps others will chime in. Good luck. |
I can’t imagine how anyone could do better than this for the money. Sounds very good in my system. No affiliation with seller: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Azden-YM-P50VL-ultimate-performance-cartridge-same-as-Empire-875XLT-RARE/31... |