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MM cart. Recommendation

I have an Oracle Alexandria with Sonus Formula IV tone arm and a Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE. I am presently using a Sumiko Pearl Cartridge and am looking to improve. Nothing lacking but I figure there must be better. The 44db of gain in the Graham Slee keeps me in the MM or HO MC camps.
Grado cartridges seem to be my best choice from looking through the archivves but am open to suggestions.
Budget could extend to the $300.

Thanks
stuartbranson

Showing 2 responses by 4yanx

4yanx
1,576 posts
 
I'd stick to a MM with that arm. And a light one. I understand that the Grado Reference Sonata sounds very good with the Sonus and you might be able to find one used for that or a bit more if patient. The Grado NEEDS a light arm to show its skills. The Shure is also an option, but I'd wager the Grado might best it on that particular arm.

BTW, what are you using for spindle to pivot distance - 225mm as per the literature or 211-212 like the original Mayware (on which it is based)? I ask because while the Sonus lit says the effective length is 240mm, I measure mine to be 229. You?
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
For VTF, I just use a Shure gauge and eschew the hole "weights on the pin" method. I think that is only there for floks who don't didn't have a gauge. Upon checking, the results are the same anyway. In the instructions for the Mayware arm, it gives direction on using the weights and then says "or use a gauge". VTA setting is crude, but I find it no less so than the Rega arms, among others. I have drilled an armboard such that I can fiddle with the spindle-to-pivot distance and will check back or e-mail you with what works best.
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