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confused: which turntable cartridge used with Audible Illusions Modulus ?

Hi.. Hopefully,shortly, i will be receiving this preamp. it includes a phono section.

I am confused about low and high output cartridges and MC vs MM cartridges.

If anyone is familiar with this preamps' cartridge requirement or would like to recommend one for me i would appreciate it.

I was considering Rega Planar 3 which includes a 
  • pre-mounted Elys 2 MM Cartridge

  • WOULD THIS WORK?
thanks
 mike
128x128mikepaul
raymonda
855 posts
 
Mike,

Try this one. It will beat the pants off most anything in the price range you are looking to spend. The seller could probably throw a cartridge in, too, if you pay his asking price. I’m sure he owns a AIM3a, so he is up on your preamp, too.

http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Turntables/VPI/HW-19-MK-III/Jelco-750-Cruise-Control-will-consider-trade-offer/177451


lancelock
1,084 posts
 
When I had the AI Modulus I also had a VPI Scout and Soundsmith Zepher MM cart. The John Curl phono section is one of the best I’ve ever had. 
raymonda
855 posts
 
The John Curl board is specifically designed for low output moving coil cartridges. It was not designed for moving magnets.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,412 posts
 

Ray’s recommendation of the VPI/Jelco combo is a real good one. I myself would much rather have that table and arm than the Rega 3.

The AI Modulus pre is not a good choice for a very high output cartridge like the Elys 2. Not so much because of it’s phono stage (which in stock form provides 30dB of gain, I believe), but because of it’s line stage---a ridiculous 30dB there as well. Your volume pots (dual mono---ugh) may be barely cracked open at normal listening levels.

Some guys like a particular pre so much they buy a cartridge to match it---that's like buying speakers appropriate for an amp you already own and love. Others prefer to choose a cartridge first, then a pre appropriate for it. Cartridges and speakers, being transducers, exhibit greater differences between each other than do electronics, some people feel. Others disagree. You will find out for yourself shortly, it seems!

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