Cartridge Reccomendations for the MoFi Ultradeck


Hello Everyone,
I am looking for recommendations for cartridges that would pair well with the MoFi ultradeck. I am currently using the master tracker and have been liking it but I think I damaged it yesterday as I am getting a lot of distortion after scratching one of my records pretty good. I was not aware of doing it but it was a brand new record and I see the scratch. 

It is my plan to continue trouble shooting and evaluating the current cartridge but in the event I have to send it off for repairs, I think I will buy a spare. What would you all recommend for a spare cartridge for my MoFi ultradeck. The rest of my system is all PS Audio gear, BHK 250 amp, bhk pre amp, P12 power regenerator, stellar phono and Thiel 3.7 speakers.

Thanks for the help and recommendations.
128x128bighempin

Showing 1 response by mijostyn

The Mobil Fidelity Ultradec is a very nice straight forward little table that hits all the right notes. One problem is that the specs list the effective mass of the arm at 35 grams. It would have to be made out of lead.
The effective mass of a 4 Point 14 is 19 grams. It looks like an intermediate mass arm of around 12 grams which will work well with most modern cartridges excepting the really stiff ones like the Koetsu and Air Tight cartridges. I think the Lyra Delos would be wonderful. Others include the Audio-Technica AT-ART7 and the Clearaudio Talismann V2 Gold. I would avoid Grados because of the AC synchronous motor. I have never played with a SoundSmith so I can't make a comment but there are a lot of people who like them. I personally am not fond of vintage cartridges. Cartridge technology has improved with better magnets, materials and geometry. I prefer not to go backwards.