Chasm of Cartridges [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

RobbieGong

02-07-2011, 13:03

2M Black, great choice - the very best MM in my opinion and I've heard loads. Apparently and I say apparently as I've not had an MC but it is as good as if not better than quite a few out there. Oodles of detail retrieval from out of the vinyl, not thin sounding at all, smooth, full bodied and slightly rich. Same highly polished nude Shibata diamond as found on the highly rated Ortofon Jubilee, as such it's fussy about vta set up, just the slightest adjust with this cart can make all the difference, so take time and care to set up properly. Instruments sound life like and 3D - I love this cart !;)

WOStantonCS100

02-07-2011, 20:07

Here are three of mine.

http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx309/prestonchipfryer/cartridges.jpg

John

oooooooooo aaahhhhhhhhhhh

Great photo, John! (nice rig, too...)

Barry

03-07-2011, 14:59

OK here are mine, the Good the Bad and the Ugly.

First the moving coils:

http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/003-3.jpg

From left to right, back row:
EMT TSD15 fine-line stylus (and fitted with SME adaptor); EMT TSD15, spherical tip; EMT TSD15, spherical tip in need of repair; EMT XSD15, spherical tip.
Front row:
Linn Asak fitted into a Fidelity Research FR-5 headshell; Denon DL103 fitted into an EMT headshell; Denon 103 fitted into an SME S2R shell; Ortofon SL15E and SL15E Mk. II, both fitted into SME S2 shells.

And now the fixed coil cartridges:

http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/006-4.jpg

From left to right, back row:
Decca Mk. VI (elliptical tip) with GB mounting block; Decca Mk. V (spherical tip), un mounted and in need of a service.
Front row:
ADC 10E Mk. IV; ADC 25 (fitted with the smaller of the elliptical stylii); ADC 26 (elliptical tip); Shure M55E; Bang and Olufson SP6 (spherical tip) and mounted in the arm in an EMT shell, a Decca Mk. V (spherical tip). All others mounted in SME S2 shells.

Barry

04-07-2011, 19:59

No other volunteers?

Pete The Cat

04-07-2011, 20:52

Crikey, after that display (the word impressive doesn't even begin to cover it) I think you've slam-dunked the thread into silence ! Which is your favourite and with what arm and deck combo ?

Pete

Tim

04-07-2011, 20:59

http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/003-3.jpg

http://i780.photobucket.com/albums/yy88/barrydhunt/006-4.jpg

Good grief Barry :stalks:

hifi_dave

04-07-2011, 21:23

If only I knew how to post pics...:scratch:

Barry

04-07-2011, 21:33

Crikey, after that display (the word impressive doesn't even begin to cover it) I think you've slam-dunked the thread into silence ! Which is your favourite and with what arm and deck combo ?

Pete

Hello Pete,

It might look impressive, but believe you me there are members here who have an even larger collection of cartridges.

Also, remember I referred to them as "The Good the Bad and the Ugly". Some of them are good, some of them were good in their day, and others need either repair or servicing.

My favourites are the EMT cartridges, used either on an EMT 930 deck with 929 arm, or (with adapter) in an SME arm (either 9" or 12") on an Thorens 124/II deck. I'm also very fond of the Denon 103 (conical tip), again either in an EMT set-up or in a (damped) SME. Of the fixed-coil designs my favourites are the Deccas.

Most of my cartridges shown are quite old - most dating back to the late '70s and a couple to the very late '60s. I'm in the process of re-visiting some of these for a future article for the forum.

Compared with other members who own the likes of Koetsu, Lyra, Shelter, Transfiguration and the latest Ortofons, with the exception of the EMTs, all of my cartridges were comparitively cheap.

I have always been interested in pick-up cartridges, though I am not one of those who think that analogue and vinyl are automatically superior to digital.

Regards

WOStantonCS100

04-07-2011, 21:59

No other volunteers?

To be honest, I've been a little stunned :drool: and thus slow to respond.

Displaying a collection in one shot, that has been accumulated over time, can be overwhelming; but, it makes for some amazingly fantastic (and, at least on AoS) socially acceptable indulgence!!!

High end moving coils to ceramic, it really doesn't matter. They are all welcome in this thread; entertainment and discovery all in one. :)

I'll post my plebeian collection later; but, I'm more interested in other folks collections at present.

Alex_UK

04-07-2011, 23:10

If only I knew how to post pics...:scratch:

Right - next visit before we crank up any hifi I'll sort that with you! :)

kcc123

04-07-2011, 23:40

I have taken some photos of my cartridges, though not the entire collection as it would be very time consuming to do that.

Here is a few:-

Supex 1000
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC09048copy.jpg

Supex 900 Super
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1130388copy.jpg

ADC Super XLM mk2

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06164copy.jpg

ADC XLM mk3 Improved
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC03170copy.jpg

Technics EPS-460C
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC07876copy.jpg

B & O MMC20 S
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC00891copy.jpg

DL103R in an aluminum body
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/Cartridges807copy.jpg

DL 103D
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1140083copy.jpg

DL 103
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1130671copy.jpg

DL303
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC01530copy.jpg

DL304
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1130204copy.jpg

Empire 2000E mk4
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC07574copy-1.jpg

Slippershod

05-07-2011, 08:21

kcc123

05-07-2011, 21:37

wonderful collection and images, as ever King.

(goodness knows why you didn't win the 'get yer t/tables out ...' thread ... unless, er, you did :scratch:)

those supex cartridges are super-cool :smoking:

Hi Marc,

Thank you!

The first prize winner has not been announced yet. I just enjoyed taking part and having fun. Winning or not was not much of my concern. :)

kcc123

05-07-2011, 22:38

Some more pictures:-

AT 37
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC08043copy.jpg

AT33
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC04501copy.jpg

AT 33ANV
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC01186copy.jpg

AT OC9
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1140189copy.jpg

AT14SA
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC00841copy.jpg

AT13EA
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1130372copy.jpg

AT440ML
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1070609copy.jpg

Signet TK7E
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/SignetTK7E037copy.jpg

Barry

05-07-2011, 22:41

I was hoping you would be up for this King. :eyebrows:

Perhaps you would remind us of how many cartidges you have in your collection? I believe it's 33! :eek:

Regards

kcc123

05-07-2011, 22:49

I was hoping you would be up for this King. :eyebrows:

Perhaps you would remind us of how many cartidges you have in your collection? I believe it's 33! :eek:

Regards

Hi Barry,

I haven't counted how many, probaby double that. :lol:

MartinT

06-07-2011, 07:55

I'll get my camera out this evening, but it's a paltry collection compared with some here :(

chris@panteg

06-07-2011, 09:40

I'll get my camera out this evening, but it's a paltry collection compared with some here :(

But very good one's though , you can't be sad with that set up of yours :)

King , I'm surprised you don't have one of the AT Precept cartridges ? Or have you .

kcc123

06-07-2011, 21:57

But very good one's though , you can't be sad with that set up of yours :)

King , I'm surprised you don't have one of the AT Precept cartridges ? Or have you .

Hi Chris,

No, I don't have it. :)

The cheapeat AT cartridge that I have is this one:-

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06332copy.jpg

kcc123

06-07-2011, 22:26

Entre EC-1

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC03537copy-1.jpg

Shure M7D
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC02977copy.jpg

AT32 E
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06236copy.jpg

Denon DL301
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06305copy.jpg

kcc123

06-07-2011, 22:28

Something transparent and clear

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06264copy.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06296copy.jpg

jandl100

07-07-2011, 06:49

There's something about a good, hi definition pic of cartridges, isn't there!
Very beautiful things. :)

Here are some of mine, past & present ...

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DSCF6523.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/NagaokaMP-30.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DenonTAF5.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/Empire999ex.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DVXX1L.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DV23RS1.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/DV17d3.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/Denon3011.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/OrtofonSamba1.jpg

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii114/jandl100/BenzMicroGold.jpg

Not that all of those are great pics :eyebrows: ... but some are rather fine, I think. :)

chris@panteg

07-07-2011, 08:51

Hi Chris,

No, I don't have it. :)

The cheapeat AT cartridge that I have is this one:-

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06332copy.jpg

Hi King

The Precept range was AT's top MM's in the 80s , but only sold in north america !

All the bodies from the 110 up to the 440 were identical , the 440 had a berrylium/shibata stylus ! Its a dual magnet design .

MartinT

07-07-2011, 17:01

http://www.mtc.me.uk/images/cartridges.jpg

Back: Denon DL-160, Audio Technica AT-33PTG
Front: Empire 2000E/III, Grado Prestige Gold, Dynavector 20A2, Shelter 5000

Please ignore the dust: this shot was taken without much care :rolleyes:

Slippershod

07-07-2011, 17:04

Some more pictures:-

AT 37
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC08043copy.jpg

my word, that one's particularly cool.

what a collection.

MartinT

07-07-2011, 17:17

The Shelter 5000 playing solo

http://www.mtc.me.uk/images/Shelter 5000_2.jpg

Thing Fish

07-07-2011, 17:48

Nice...:popcorn:

gortnipper

08-07-2011, 10:37

The Shelter 5000 playing solo

http://www.mtc.me.uk/images/Shelter 5000_2.jpg

How do you like that 5000? I am considering a very nice deal on a 7000 at the moment, or another very nice deal I can get on a Shilabe...decisions....

MartinT

08-07-2011, 10:46

Hello David

The 5000 is a great cartridge and goes wonderfully well with the Choir Audio / Hashimoto SUT-H7 step-up transformer. It's also a great match for my Dynavector arm and tracks everything I have thrown at it very reliably.

I would say the 7000 has to be a tremendous cartridge if it does what the 5000 does plus a bit more. You really have to have a well-sorted deck, arm and phono stage if you're going to get the kind of performance that I'm hearing with my 5000, though. Otherwise, you'd be best to address those things first.

kcc123

08-07-2011, 13:53

Hi King

The Precept range was AT's top MM's in the 80s , but only sold in north america !

All the bodies from the 110 up to the 440 were identical , the 440 had a berrylium/shibata stylus ! Its a dual magnet design .

Hi Chris,

LOL!:lol:

I had not known the Precept cartridge before and it was my ignorance to assume that it is a cheap one because you said that Richard had suggested it as a cheapish upgrade over the AT95H, so my mistake. Please accept my apology!

As far as I remember, the AT 20s, AT22s, AT24s and AT 25s were some of their top cartridges in the eighties.

kml

08-07-2011, 14:28

NAGAOKA MP-500 H

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/47827/2102764460102950911S600x600Q85.jpg

cheers
ken

Alex_UK

08-07-2011, 15:07

NAGAOKA MP-500 H

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/47827/2102764460102950911S600x600Q85.jpg

cheers
ken

One day, my precious! :eyebrows:

kcc123

08-07-2011, 16:06

my word, that one's particularly cool.

what a collection.

Thank you!

Yes, it does look cool but very attractive. :)

Slippershod

08-07-2011, 17:01

Shure M7D
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC02977copy.jpg

fantastic ... :)

kcc123

08-07-2011, 21:50

Some more cartridges

Denon DL 110
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06372copy.jpg

AT 31E
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06418copy.jpg

Ortofon VMS 3 mk2
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/Cartridges736copy.jpg

Ortofon VMS 20E mk2
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC02608copy.jpg

Ortofon M20FL
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC00862copy.jpg

Ortofon MC20
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1130161copy.jpg

prestonchipfryer

09-07-2011, 05:59

gortnipper

09-07-2011, 08:20

Marco

09-07-2011, 08:25

Hi David,

Sorry to butt in, but where is "60H-289445-5933998"? ;)

On your next visit, please pop your proper location onto your profile - cheers! :cool:

Marco.

MartinT

09-07-2011, 10:11

Have you compared it to any SPU? Have also been thinking of a 90th Anniv.

Not directly, but I've had Marco's SPU in my system a couple of times and it's a tremendous cartridge. We'll be comparing the SPU and Shelter possibly later this year.

kcc123

09-07-2011, 11:13

I remember the M20 FL Super as an outstanding cartridge, had one about 30 years ago and wish I'd kept it.

Hi John,

The Ortofon M20 FL Super is indeed an outstanding cartridge which I have two samples of it. One is a new old stock, which I bought last year and also is shown in the picture, has a silver colour body, but the other one which I have had for years has a golden colour body and a capacitor at the back.

The picture of the other one
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/OrtofonM20FL049copy.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/Cartridges759copy.jpg

New old stock one
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/Cartridges768.jpg

prestonchipfryer

09-07-2011, 12:13

Hi John,

The Ortofon M20 FL Super is indeed an outstanding cartridge which I have two samples of it. One is a new old stock, which I bought last year and also is shown in the picture, has a silver colour body, but the other one which I have had for years has a golden colour body and a capacitor at the back.

The picture of the other one
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/OrtofonM20FL049copy.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/Cartridges759copy.jpg

New old stock one
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/Cartridges768.jpg

Mine, I remember, was gold bodied. And the cap 210, yes had one (it was used on a VMS 20E. Blimey, that's years ago! Where did you get the NOS FL20?

Cheers

kcc123

09-07-2011, 13:27

Hi John,

I got it from williamthakker on eBay but I don’t think they are available any more.

DSJR

09-07-2011, 14:43

My M20 FL Super stylus came from William Thakker too. This is one Ortofon which does seem to require a higher mass arm for the bass to breathe properly. Lovely precise sound, but needs care on initial setup I think.

For anyone wanting a lovely sweet but clear cartridge for a lower mass arm/vintage SME, the standard M20E Super is a delight and IMO a big improvement over the slightly clogged sounding VMS30E, which I also have.

Here's some of my cartridges from a piccie taken a few years ago -

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q8/DSJR_photos/DSCF1343-1.jpg

kcc123

09-07-2011, 20:02

Hi Dave,

The M20E Super is no doubt a better sounding cartridge and so is the 530mk2.

Ortofon 530 mk2
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC07396copy.jpg

Ortofon VMS 30 mk2
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06547copy.jpg

DSJR

09-07-2011, 22:19

I wonder why the excellent M20FL Super was all but replaced by the VMS30, which had much higher compliance and a soggy bass little better than the ancient VMS20 or M15E. I have a couple of 500 bodies, one with the excellent heavy duty GT stylus and the other one waiting........ :) Aren't the 500's now the Vinyl Master series? - another bloody excuse for a price rise :(

WOStantonCS100

11-07-2011, 21:21

Hmmmm.... :scratch: methinks there are people holding out on us. Where are the action shots of those vintage Goldrings and such? ;) :)

BTW: Nice collection, Dave... and hearty thanks to everyone who's chimed in thus far!!!

MartinT

11-07-2011, 21:31

My previous Dynavector DV-20X2L

http://www.mtc.me.uk/images/DV20X2L.jpg

kcc123

11-07-2011, 23:15

Stilton Nagaoka MP11
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC05698.jpg

Pickering UV-15
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06695copy.jpg

Stanton 681EE
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06610copy.jpg

Stanton 681EEE
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06585copy.jpg

Golding Elektra
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06735copy.jpg

Golding 1042
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1080986copy.jpg

kcc123

11-07-2011, 23:36

Some of my fauourite cartridges

Technics 205C mk3
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06205copy.jpg

Technics P205 mk3
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC00785copy.jpg

Technics P205 mk4
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC06485copy.jpg

Fidelity Research MC201 (VDH retipped)
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC00277copy.jpg

Fidelity Research MC201 (Soundsmith retipped)
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1100589copy.jpg

MartinT

12-07-2011, 05:57

Nice photos, King. I have one of those ADC headshells! What is the headshell holding the Goldring Elektra?

MartinT

12-07-2011, 06:04

Fidelity Research MC201 (VDH retipped)
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC00277copy.jpg

You'd think VDH could have put the sticker on straight!

Slippershod

12-07-2011, 09:48

Some of my fauourite cartridges

blimey - your photes just get better ... ! :wow:

you seem to have a great eye for using natural light and there's particularly effective depth-of-field with this batch as well, I think, King.

chris@panteg

12-07-2011, 09:56

Hi King

I love those Techy cartridges , which is your own personal favorite of the three , I've heard the P205mk3 in my own system and loved it , but the mk4 ?

kcc123

12-07-2011, 12:34

Nice photos, King. I have one of those ADC headshells! What is the headshell holding the Goldring Elektra?

Hi Martin,

That is a carbon fibre filled Sony SH-165 headshell from my Sony PUA-7 tonearm which was originally mounted on a Sony PS X-70 turntable.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/SonySH-165.jpg

Fortunately, VDH did not put a sticker on the Ortofon MC 3000 mk2 when they re-tipped it last time, otherwise it would spoil the look.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/OrtofonMC3000copy1.jpg

kcc123

12-07-2011, 12:59

blimey - your photes just get better ... ! :wow:

you seem to have a great eye for using natural light and there's particularly effective depth-of-field with this batch as well, I think, King.

Hi Marc,

Thank you for your very kind comments!

I have got used to taking pictures in natural light and I prefer this way in a natural manner.

I think, sometimes it is necessary to control and get a very shallow depth of field, which should effectively let the object stand out by masking the background in the picture, most people are aware of that.

kcc123

12-07-2011, 13:12

Hi King

I love those Techy cartridges , which is your own personal favorite of the three , I've heard the P205mk3 in my own system and loved it , but the mk4 ?

Hi Chris,

The P205 mk4 is the crème de la crème of all the MM cartridges that I have owned and come across. The Technics EPS- 460C strain gauge cartridge is also outstanding in my humble opinion, superior to most if the all, including MM, MI and MC types.

kcc123

12-07-2011, 21:06

A&R Cambridge P77
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC07547copy.jpg

JVC X1
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/Cartridges831copy.jpg

JVC Z1 S
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC03559copy.jpg

Coral MC88
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1080965copy.jpg

Alex_UK

12-07-2011, 21:26

Hi King, great pics again.

One thing, have you tried doing some with the deck on - i.e. the record spinning? - I personally like to do mine as an "action" shot with the record and label blurred, but I am sure others don't and prefer yours. (If you could kindly go back and re-photo all of them this way that would be great, thanks. (JOKE!) :lol:)

Do you have all of your cartridges mounted in shells so you can install them at any time?

How do you store them?

I find every one of them intriguing - thanks again for sharing. (Have you got any Nagaokas?)

kcc123

12-07-2011, 22:02

Hi Alex,

Thanks very much!

I did a few shots last week when the deck was spinning, but the images were slightly blurred as I took the shots at a very slow speed and the room was not bright enough. But I think I can have another attempt and see how that goes.

I have actually installed most cartridges in different headshells as I have over forty of them. Many people may think I am a total nutter and completely out of my mind.:lol:

Pictures of some of the headshells in my collection
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1140913copy.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/P1160971copy.jpg

In fact, I only have couple of Nagaokas, a Stilton modified MP11 and a stock MP11.

Alex_UK

12-07-2011, 22:13

Marco

12-07-2011, 22:14

Freakin' awesome!! :respect: :respect:

Marco.

kcc123

12-07-2011, 22:44

:stalks:

Thanks King - you are certainly a dedicated cartridge collector, and they look fab in the group pictures. How on earth do you decide which one to use at any given time? Must be a nice choice to have to make!
Hi Alex,

To be honest, that is easy because I have mounted over a dozen of my favourite cartridges, on different turntables, ready and handy enough for me to have my pick. I simply have too many choices. :)

MartinT

13-07-2011, 05:47

Very nice, King. I do hope your arms have easy adjustments :lol:

prestonchipfryer

13-07-2011, 07:09

Hi John,

I got it from williamthakker on eBay but I don’t think they are available any more.

Hi King. There doesn't seem to be any available now.

And wow, what a fantastic collection. Seeing them altogether must make you very happy. How long have you been 'collecting' (if that is the right word to use) cartridges?

HighFidelityGuy

13-07-2011, 20:13

I don't actually have a working turntable at the moment and only two cartridges, one of which I can't find right now but here's the other:

Nagaota MP-11 Boron:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/DTM2000/Hi-Fi/MP-11Boron.jpg

I just hope it sounds as nice as it looks. One day I'll find out. :doh:

kcc123

13-07-2011, 21:10

Very nice, King. I do hope your arms have easy adjustments :lol:

Hi Martin,

Thanks!

No problem at all, they all have easy adjustments, especially the Micro Seiki MA505 has the adjustments of everything on the fly. :lol:

kcc123

13-07-2011, 21:41

Hi King. There doesn't seem to be any available now.

And wow, what a fantastic collection. Seeing them altogether must make you very happy. How long have you been 'collecting' (if that is the right word to use) cartridges?

Hi John,

They only had a very limited stock.

Thank you!

I have started collecting cartridges since the seventies, about thirty five years.

WOStantonCS100

13-07-2011, 23:00

I have started collecting cartridges since the seventies, about thirty five years.

There is no 12-step program in the world that can help you, my friend. This goes way beyond addiction. :lol: That integrated headshell Technics is such a lovely peice.

kcc123

14-07-2011, 05:19

There is no 12-step program in the world that can help you, my friend. This goes way beyond addiction. :lol: That integrated headshell Technics is such a lovely peice.

Hi Biff,

:lolsign: There is no cure for me, so let it be!

The Technics 205C mk2 is indeed a lovely cartridge and being sought after by many people.

kcc123

14-07-2011, 09:54

Freakin' awesome!! :respect: :respect:

Marco.

Hi Marco,

You have quite a few headshells, don/t you? :)

I love the carbon fibre Oyaide headshell that you own but I have never thought of spending that much on a headshell, even some of mine were not cheap either.

Marco

14-07-2011, 14:54

An embarrassingly paltry assemblage of insignificance (half a dozen cartridges/headshells, or so), compared to the breathtaking array of finery, such is represented by your exquisite collection.

The Oyaide is a lovely item, but I personally prefer the aesthetic quirkiness and sonic signature of my vintage headshells, the best of which, IMO, is the Fidelity Research S/5 :)

Marco.

kcc123

14-07-2011, 16:07

Does it mean the old Fidelity Research S/5 is better than the technically advanced carbon fibre Oyaide headshell?

Marco

14-07-2011, 16:16

Depends on the partnering cartridge ;)

Marco.

kcc123

16-07-2011, 21:55

Hi Alex,

Here is a photo which I shot with the platter spinning at a shutter speed of 1/10 sec, F10 and ISO 400.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u114/KCCTKC/DSC00313copy-2.jpg

Alex_UK

16-07-2011, 22:16

Thanks King! Now to me, that looks SUPERB - hope you're pleased with it too!

kcc123

16-07-2011, 23:27

Yes, I am quite happy with it.

Too slow the shutter speed, the images would be blurred. I did take a few shots at 1, 1.3 and 2 seconds but I was not satisfied with them because of that.

Alex_UK

16-07-2011, 23:34

Yes, I am quite happy with it.

Too low the shutter speed, the images would be blurred. I did take a few shots at 1, 1.3 and 2 seconds but I was not satisfied with them because of that.

The beauty of digital - you can "bracket" to you heart's content, at no cost - as well as instantly see the results.

Cracking shot, whatever. :)

DSJR

17-07-2011, 10:26

MartinT

17-07-2011, 10:52

One thing I've found when taking shots with a rotating record, don't use one which is warped otherwise the arm-cartridge are blurred causing you to scratch your head :)

kcc123

17-07-2011, 19:16

Bloody schoolboy porn, that's what it is :lol:

Why are HiFi types so blinkin' obsessive? I don't have a real camera, so just point the little Fuji thingy at the object, set it to "portrait," take the snap and then zoom in. On an internet forum and with my lower res display, I can barely tell the difference :)

Hi Dave,

LOL! Schoolboy porn is what many people love. :lol:

If you can't tell the difference between the pictures taken from a good DSLR and a digital compact or a bridge camera with super zoom lens, it will be no point to discuss further. But I can tell the difference between them in most occasions. In fact, both DSLRs and digital compacts have their pros and cons, so that's why I have both . :)

kcc123

17-07-2011, 19:21

One thing I've found when taking shots with a rotating record, don't use one which is warped otherwise the arm-cartridge are blurred causing you to scratch your head :)
Fortunately, I don't have many warped records.:)

Batty

18-07-2011, 03:10

Both mine have been covered... Goldring 1042 and Denon DL103.

WOStantonCS100

30-07-2011, 23:18

Somebody's gotta be willing to scrape the bottom of the barrel. I guess that's me. None of these are anything special. Most need stylus/cantilever upgrades. The ones with Shibata's are better. The Trackmaster, which has been upgraded by Sound-Smith, is rather nice, though.

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/Projects/Carts01.jpg

Stanton 681EEE's
Shure M111E (original .2 x .7 stylus)

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/Projects/Carts02.jpg

Grado MT+
Audio Technica AT331LP (Shibata upgrade)
Stanton 890SA

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/Projects/Carts03.jpg

Stanton Trackmaster (2nd tier Soundsmith upgrade)

Barry

31-07-2011, 20:17

"Scraping the bottom of the barrel"? Surely not. Both those Stanton cartridges (the 681 and 881) were very respectable, and better than the market leader of the time: the Shure V15.

chelsea

31-07-2011, 20:24

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd493/pilpil2/Picture409.jpg

MartinT

31-07-2011, 21:00

That link doesn't work, Stuart.

chelsea

31-07-2011, 21:46

That link doesn't work, Stuart.

Tried pasting it from photobucket martin but no joy.

The Grand Wazoo

31-07-2011, 21:50

Any better?

MartinT

01-08-2011, 05:58

Ooh, an MC20 Super. I used to have one of those and I don't think I ever got the best from it (I used it with an AT transformer). Wish I still had it.

DSJR

01-08-2011, 07:58

Ooh, an MC20 Super. I used to have one of those and I don't think I ever got the best from it (I used it with an AT transformer). Wish I still had it.

I have an MC30 Super - interesting story here and it shows how awkward cartridge reviews could and still can be -

In my LP12/Ittok days of the mid 80's, Ortofon had a deal where retail staff could buy their wares at factory cost. This enabled me to buy an MC30 Super plus MCA76 head amp for well under £100 (from memory). The MCA wasn't too hot but since the preamp had an MC input (either Naim 32.5 or Linn LK1) I used that instead. In this setup the ortofon sounded over-trebly and lumpy in the bass. Imagine my delight when I was given another MC30 Super recently in as-new condition, shoved it in the Dual 701 and Thorens and found the lumpy bass non-existent, replaced with bass that is lean but clear and the treble well under control and not as strident as, say, an OC9mk1.

Sorry for the lecture above, but it's just come back to me how important it is that the turntable, arm and cartridge (ok, and phono stage too if the pickup's fussy) be looked at as a system :)

MartinT

01-08-2011, 08:23

Yes indeed, Dave. Your experience also again highlights that the deck and arm quality are imperative for good sound and that any cartridge will benefit from a great platform.

Personally, I never liked the Ittok much.

DSJR

01-08-2011, 08:42

The Ittok was a disaster for the old fruitbox back in 1980 when it first appeared and it took Linn a good few years to sort it all out - probably one huge change would have been too much for our weak psyches at the time - but the glued sub-chassis, followed by the MDF laminated armboard did seem to help loads. Having said that, a Grace 707 doesn't sound that hot with a later LP12, I discovered, whereas it sounds very nice indeeed with a vintage LP12. I also believe the Ittok itself went through some material changes, the later ones being less "treble-lively" I thought, than the first thin-pillar examples. I personally think Linn took the design too far with the early Ekos, the sound becoming rather "clanky" and way inferior IMO to a "carefully set up" SME V on an LP12 (yep, it can be done with a touch of lateral thinking). Again, it took Linn a few years to sort it out and once again, the customer had to pay to get the arm updated in a form of trade-in I remember...

WOStantonCS100

06-11-2011, 05:34

Still not one piccy of an SPU in this thread??? :scratch: What's the world coming to? Maybe if I post another pic of...

(LP: The Moody Blues - On The Threshold Of A Dream)

http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/Picture005.jpg

RobHolt

06-11-2011, 14:54

Here are some of mine:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6318631008_6760e034d8.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/trebor1966/6318631008/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/trebor1966/6318631008/) by trebor1966 (http://www.flickr.com/people/trebor1966/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6318107335_4a07c40130.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/trebor1966/6318107335/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/trebor1966/6318107335/) by trebor1966 (http://www.flickr.com/people/trebor1966/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6318109215_603eb69abc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/trebor1966/6318109215/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/trebor1966/6318109215/) by trebor1966 (http://www.flickr.com/people/trebor1966/), on Flickr

Rob

MCRU

06-11-2011, 19:54

http://i622.photobucket.com/albums/tt309/themainsman/boni%20sept%202011/IMG_8821.jpg

Marco

06-11-2011, 20:34

Are you fitting the 103 to your new Techy? :)

Marco.

MCRU

06-11-2011, 20:38

In a word "NO" because whilst taking that nice pic my photo lady knackered it so I bought a Kontrapunkt instead which is much better, are you scared my new Tech will crucify yours in the bake off....:ner:

Reid Malenfant

06-11-2011, 20:44

In a word "NO" because whilst taking that nice pic my photo lady knackered it
How many different ladies do you have David & what uses do they serve? :scratch:

On second thoughts I just don't want to know :D

MCRU

06-11-2011, 20:49

How many different ladies do you have David & what uses do they serve? :scratch:

On second thoughts I just don't want to know :D

ha.ha

Boni is my photographer, Charlotte is my book-keeper and I saved the best till last, Joanne is my wife!

Dominic Harper

06-11-2011, 20:54

Here's a few for starters

http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af30/hifimaster/Modified%20Denon%20DL103/DSC02191.jpg

Darren

06-11-2011, 22:23

Oh my goodness... Check those Koetsus out. I've just promised my soul to the devil (again)......

WOStantonCS100

07-11-2011, 00:47

The cantilever of the Koetsu on the left looks, ummm, different. Optical illusion? What's the story on that?

The Grand Wazoo

07-11-2011, 00:50

I think it's just that the picture is out of focus - the cantilever is blending with the gap that it emerges from, so it looks like it's got a dog-leg shape to it.

prestonchipfryer

07-11-2011, 08:25

http://i766.photobucket.com/albums/xx309/prestonchipfryer/DSC00115.jpg

DSJR

07-11-2011, 09:05

Oh my goodness... Check those Koetsus out. I've just promised my soul to the devil (again)......

Eye candy my dear boy, just eye candy :lol: :D

Darren

09-11-2011, 07:23

Eye candy my dear boy, just eye candy :lol: :D

Do you really think Dave? They seem To be a Holy Grail for so many.

Marco

09-11-2011, 08:36

Never mind yer Koetsus, I'll have that big old Supex at the back, next to the G800... ;)

Marco.

Dominic Harper

15-11-2011, 19:58

The Onyx looks a bit odd because I had just repaired it and the botom plate wasn't glued back on that pic, plus with it is a flat bottom Koetsu, unlike the rosewood standard next to it which has a tapered front/bottom making the cantilever look more pronounced.
They may be eye candy, but wouldn't trade either the Supex or Koetsu for anything. Best carts I have by a country mile!

Dominic Harper

15-11-2011, 19:59

The Onyx looks a bit odd because I had just repaired it and the bottom plate wasn't glued back on that pic, plus with it is a flat bottom Koetsu, unlike the rosewood standard next to it which has a tapered front/bottom making the cantilever look more pronounced.
They may be eye candy, but wouldn't trade either the Supex or Koetsu for anything. Best carts I have by a country mile!

WOStantonCS100

15-11-2011, 20:09

...wouldn't trade either the Supex or Koetsu for anything...

Well, that's being just a little bit stingy, init? :)

worrasf

15-11-2011, 21:12

:wheniwasaboy:

Sonus Gold Blue
AKG P8 ES SuperNova
Decca Blue
Another Sonus Gold Blue

Steve

WOStantonCS100

04-02-2012, 21:22

The retipped Stanton cartridge shootout continues at chez moi. The total is now 3 retips: Trackmaster, 890 SA and 681EEE. The 890 AL at the far right, in the second picture, has yet to be retipped. I have a sneaking suspicion that it might turn out to be the nicest of the bunch and the closest to the old 881 (a personal favorite & reference point).

Stanton 890 SA
http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/IMG_9690small.jpg

Stanton Trackmaster / 681EEE / 890 AL
http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/IMG_9694.jpg

Stanton 681EEE
http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/TCKA1ESa/IMG_9696.jpg

Macca

05-02-2012, 11:59

Hi Biff

I see you sre using the little brush on the 681EE - I didn't like the look of it so I didn't fit it - what does it do and how does it affect the sound?

DSJR

05-02-2012, 16:05

Like the damped one fitted to some Shures, I believe it's use enables you to use higher mass arms than otherwise ideal, especially on warped records. There may be a cleaning/static-reduction thing about it's use as well, but the downside is that the bristles "playing" the record as well, may introduce some pre and post echo into the assembly.

I must admit that even in the mid 70's, when I first got to know these cartridges, I never used the brush and I don't remember anyone else at KJ Watford doing so either - and by 1974, the V15 III was passe and both the 681EEE and the ADC XLM were firm favourites, together with the softer sounding Ortofon M15E (Super).

WOStantonCS100

05-02-2012, 17:54

Hi Biff

I see you sre using the little brush on the 681EE - I didn't like the look of it so I didn't fit it - what does it do and how does it affect the sound?

Like the damped one fitted to some Shures, I believe it's use enables you to use higher mass arms than otherwise ideal, especially on warped records. There may be a cleaning/static-reduction thing about it's use as well, but the downside is that the bristles "playing" the record as well, may introduce some pre and post echo into the assembly.

I must admit that even in the mid 70's, when I first got to know these cartridges, I never used the brush and I don't remember anyone else at KJ Watford doing so either - and by 1974, the V15 III was passe and both the 681EEE and the ADC XLM were firm favourites, together with the softer sounding Ortofon M15E (Super).

Hey Martin,

It's as David stated. Additionally, there is a VTF adjustment (slight increase) to be made with the brush. Unless I'm specifically listening for it, the low db echo doesn't phase me; just kind of reminds me of what happens with reels of recorded wound tape. Sometimes, I think the brush looks cool, so I just leave it there, mostly to collect dust. As far as stabilizing the cartridge, the Shure brushes do a much better job, by design. The Stanton brush is not damped. It just snaps into the plastic stylus guard. The overall presentation of the cartridge, to my ear, is pretty much the same with or without the brush.

Thanks for chiming in David.

Macca

05-02-2012, 17:57

Thanks Dave and Biff - Ii think I won't experiment then as I have got the cart working well as it is. I guess the brush is just a bit of an anacronism.

The Vinyl Adventure

10-05-2012, 18:02

My new pride and joy sounding very lovely indeed - philips 422 super m

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/hamish_gill/13baf768.jpg

Also... This was taken with an iPhone 4s... I challenge anyone to get this good a photo out of an iphone ;)

MartinT

10-05-2012, 18:48

Gorgeous photo, Hamish. Just goes to show it's not the camera, it's the photographer.

The Vinyl Adventure

10-05-2012, 19:02

Yep, and like you with your hifi, knowing how to squeeze every last inch of quality out of the kit
It's actually very simple ... Just pick the right app for the job, point and poke ;)

blake

10-05-2012, 22:17

Denon 103R in an aluminum body w/Soundsmith line contact stylus and ruby cantilever (click to expand)

WOStantonCS100

10-05-2012, 23:57

Gorgeous photo, Hamish. Just goes to show it's not the camera, it's the photographer.

+1

Thanks for posting. A splendid addition to the gallery. :)

WOStantonCS100

10-05-2012, 23:58

Denon 103R in an aluminum body w/Soundsmith line contact stylus and ruby cantilever (click to expand)

:thumbsup:

WOStantonCS100

27-02-2016, 04:09

I've made a determined decision to go into MC land this year; nevertheless, MM carts keep falling into my lap. I'll try to get a pic, soon.
(I'm also determined to have every cart refreshed with a new stylus.)

An updated list (italics added in the past year):

PRIMARY: Stanton Trackmaster EL (SoundSmith ruby NCL retip)
Stanton 890SA (LP Gear Vivid Line)
Stanton 890AL (JICO Shibata)
Stanton Trackmaster RS II (x2)
Stanton Groovemaster II Pro (x2)
Stanton 681EEE (JICO Urushi Shibata)
Stanton 681EEE
Empire 2000E
Empire 200 E/X
B&O SP14
ADC K8 (LPGear Vivid Line)
ADC QLM-30MKIII
Audio Technics VS-245LP
Audio Technica AT-331LP
Audio Technics AT-250
Grado MT+
Ortofon TM14
Shure M75MG

petrat

27-02-2016, 09:29

I was once teaching a class of fashion students, and asked them to all raise a hand and then lower it when I reached a number greater than the number of pairs of shoes they owned. The last hand went down at 230, and the girl concerned became an instant heroine to her classmates. I owned 3 pairs of shoes at the time, which was one too many imo, so I wasn't impressed at all. Anyway, it turned out that she wasn't just a hoarder, but a collector, with many of them historically significant or limited edition productions, and that the collection was worth many thousands. I began to see the attraction ... :idea: