Pondering to pull the trigger on an AT VM 760SLC
Thank you so much for responding. The old days, one could go to a number of Los Angeles stereo chain stores...Federated, Pacific Stereo, Now Sound, Rogers Sound Labs, Cal Stereo...and so many others. Now...I just want to listen to the 3 different cartridges mentioned above. I know that each have their own advantages...one isn't better, per se, than the others...just being able to fine tune a need and preference. I want the AT 760...the highest end of the Moving Magnet type. I will not move into MC carts. That is a whole other world. though, I do like the "sweet" sound of AT. I might just go with the Shibata and be done with it...which may require me to go with the AT 750 instead. I am just wondering if my Dual 1219 will do this AT high-end moving magnet cartridge justice...while dealing with the 92 degree factor and the azimuth too. Like I mentioned earlier, I might need shims for the 92 degree issue...not sure....and lastly...the platter mat...I wonder if that will affect the set up. There I go...rambling again. What a hobby. We are always leaning forward, into the wind...looking for that sweet spot of sound. Thanks for reading. vinylspin |
"The old days, one could go to a number of Los Angeles stereo chain stores...Federated, Pacific Stereo, Now Sound, Rogers Sound Labs, Cal Stereo...and so many others." http://www.pacificstereo.net/store.jpg Remember the great ads in the Sunday LA Times Calendar section? You forgot University Stereo. Since you’re willing to spend that much, consider this also https://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/fixed-coil/otello Very nice and you can get it rebuilt for a reasonable price. I have one as a backup for the "serious" cartridge |
tablejockey
MC is an expensive move, and OP, like me for many years is highly resistant to MC. there is no way I would have moved into any new cartridge with elliptical stylus, certainly not MC elliptical stylus like that Soundsmith. Like you, I might keep it, and, if not inclined for a separate mono cartridge, elliptical is better for mono lp grooves. |
Won't say much about the cartridge but thanks for the trip down memory lane. I grew up in the South bay and later lived in the Valley. I still have an AT-14Sa and really enjoy it's Shibata tip. I also have a AT-150MLX and use it with the Microline stylus that came with it but I also use it with an ATN150Sa Shibata stylus. It's nice having the ability to switch stylus without the doing the set up thing. |
tablejockey
sorry, I missed the fact it is MI, I saw 'coil' in my quickie look, however it is Elliptical, my main reason to rule it out. It does illustrate what I found when researching: MI theoretically should have terrific channel separation and channel balance, but, unless you get WAY UP in price, the specs are not so good, channel separation only 20-24db; channel balance 1.8db; frequency response +/- 2.5db, that's a 5db swing, It may sound terrific, you and many may love it, I simply would not go with elliptical. |
Yes!! I knew I was leaving one out...University Stereo. That was also back in the day when stores could and would be next door to one another. Anyone familiar with the San Fernando Valley...back in the 70's...a friend of mine and I would take the bus to either a Lankershim / Riverside Drive location in North Hollywood...or one on Sherman Way (near Canoga Ave) where stores sat side by side. Unbelievable....and fun. Thank you all for looking into my cartridge issue...while I twist in the wind trying to pull the trigger on the AT VM760SLC. I think that is how I am gonna go. I will go to the top of the Audio Technica MM realm and park myself there. It has been out a few years... I wonder what "newer" Audio Technica cart will be released. Besides, I think that my 50 year old Dual 1219 and its limited capabilities could not handle an MC or an MI cartridge...and all of their "delicate set-up temperaments". Besides my ancient 1983 Yamaha Separates C-70 and M-70...with the muddy and thick Cerwin Vega D-8's should be limiting factors as well...somewhat. My tinnitus is a factor too. Now I can start to ponder the 92 degree angle and the azimuth stuff. ..along with the factors involved with a platter mat...type and thickness. ..and whether a platter mat really matters. Let us chuckle. I will let all know the details of the AT VM760SLC. It should proved to be interesting. Thanks again everyone...kind of all to offer opinions...from a vast harbor of knowledge. I really enjoy the ability to track all of the different opinions that accompany the new and varied subjects. Sincerely, vinylspin |
