DV 10X5 has 2.5mV output. This would be marginal for the Bellari, but might work fine if the Mac receiver linestage section adds enough additional gain. However, not only is MM an "option", but you should be looking primarily at MM or MI cartridges, preferably with an output of ~5mV. The good news is that there are many very very good sounding MM and MI cartridges from which to choose. In addition to the Ortofon 2M series, you might consider the MI cartridges from Sound Smith (assuming the output is sufficient) and any of several Audio Technica or Grado cartridges. AT is big player in this area, and you would be surprised how many higher end cartridges sold under other brand names are actually made by AT.
Cartridge rec.'s for Denon DP-60l
Hi all,
I need/want a new cartridge... under $300?
My setup:
Denon DP-60L straight original tone arm
Grado ZF-1 (old version of silver)
Bellari vp130 phono-pre amp
Mcintosh 4100 receiver
Monitor Audio Studio 6 speakers on stands
(the old name for Gold as I understand it)
Vinyl collection: I've got a range of vinyl from classic, vg condition jazz and soul (primary listening), to lots of used rock, country and blues. I'm pretty picky with the used vinyl I purchase, but it's not always mint.
Given the Bellari, I need to go with a HOMC as I understand it.
I've looked at:
the Denon DL-110 or 160: too artificial sounding?
Shure M97xe: open to going more $ if it equals higher quality-also, kind of ugly
Sumiko Blue Point 2: trying to avoid the $400 price point and worried it'll be too sensitive for the ho-hum vinyl.
Grado Platinum 1: too warm, too much hum for my warm rig? Beautiful. Much different from what I have?
Any other suggests? Should I just suck it up and go for the Sumiko? Should I sell the Bellari and consider an MM or LOMC (with a different pre?)
.... I'm lost. Thanks!
Chris
I need/want a new cartridge... under $300?
My setup:
Denon DP-60L straight original tone arm
Grado ZF-1 (old version of silver)
Bellari vp130 phono-pre amp
Mcintosh 4100 receiver
Monitor Audio Studio 6 speakers on stands
(the old name for Gold as I understand it)
Vinyl collection: I've got a range of vinyl from classic, vg condition jazz and soul (primary listening), to lots of used rock, country and blues. I'm pretty picky with the used vinyl I purchase, but it's not always mint.
Given the Bellari, I need to go with a HOMC as I understand it.
I've looked at:
the Denon DL-110 or 160: too artificial sounding?
Shure M97xe: open to going more $ if it equals higher quality-also, kind of ugly
Sumiko Blue Point 2: trying to avoid the $400 price point and worried it'll be too sensitive for the ho-hum vinyl.
Grado Platinum 1: too warm, too much hum for my warm rig? Beautiful. Much different from what I have?
Any other suggests? Should I just suck it up and go for the Sumiko? Should I sell the Bellari and consider an MM or LOMC (with a different pre?)
.... I'm lost. Thanks!
Chris