Backtracking on the cartridge front

[paulf-2007]

My memory isn't what it once was so I will list the carts that come to mind. Firstly I must say that I've never been impressed by such things as koetsu or audionote Io etc, far to subtle for me.
Going back to my early turntables and arms, revolver and Linn basic with goldring 1012 ( iirc ), transrotor based DIY and RB250 with goldring 1042, then technics 1210 with same carts and SAE 1000LT, Collaro 2010 with DIY unipivot and Benz micro gold.
I guess the high price point was Benz wood SL with 401, ptp and Denon DP80 all with Audiomods classic or Stax UA-70. Recently I bought. A standard Denon 103 to see what all the talk, good and bad, was all about and was pleasantly surprised and at sensible money. Next up Shure Ultra 500 in a Martin Bastin body, ok not cheap but most impressive and half the cost of the Benz. Another plus imo is no step up required with the Shure so less in the signal path. I know many here run modestly priced carts and I now understand why, they are bloody musically satisfying. I'm finished with searching for the that tiny amount of detail that another thousand pounds might extract. That's not to say I won't ever be swapping something, that's not realistic and variety is the spice of life after all.
So I've gone from £25 for an AT95 ( still in use in the office) to Benz wood at £995 back to sensible money. Don't get me wrong the Benz is an excellent cart and one I could live with but the Shure in my set up is astonishing.

[Jimbo]

My memory isn't what it once was so I will list the carts that come to mind. Firstly I must say that I've never been impressed by such things as koetsu or audionote Io etc, far to subtle for me.
Going back to my early turntables and arms, revolver and Linn basic with goldring 1012 ( iirc ), transrotor based DIY and RB250 with goldring 1042, then technics 1210 with same carts and SAE 1000LT, Collaro 2010 with DIY unipivot and Benz micro gold.
I guess the high price point was Benz wood SL with 401, ptp and Denon DP80 all with Audiomods classic or Stax UA-70. Recently I bought. A standard Denon 103 to see what all the talk, good and bad, was all about and was pleasantly surprised and at sensible money. Next up Shure Ultra 500 in a Martin Bastin body, ok not cheap but most impressive and half the cost of the Benz. Another plus imo is no step up required with the Shure so less in the signal path. I know many here run modestly priced carts and I now understand why, they are bloody musically satisfying. I'm finished with searching for the that tiny amount of detail that another thousand pounds might extract. That's not to say I won't ever be swapping something, that's not realistic and variety is the spice of life after all.
So I've gone from £25 for an AT95 ( still in use in the office) to Benz wood at £995 back to sensible money. Don't get me wrong the Benz is an excellent cart and one I could live with but the Shure in my set up is astonishing.


From what you are saying regarding cartridges that are musically satisfying and inexpensive I would recommend you try the Shure M55e sometime.

[struth]

Second the m55

[paulf-2007]

Oh you buggers putting temptation in my way. :)

[CageyH]

The SAE1000LT is still good.
The Shure M55E with Jico SAS sounds lovely.
It is also worth trying the AT95 with the LP Gear VL or SA stylus.

[paulf-2007]

I haven't played the SAE for a while. When I have some time on my hands I will have a listen to all the carts in turn. Having removeable headshells is very convenient for swapping carts. Vta on the Stax is easily adjustable too.

[struth]

Yeah, the at95.and shibata is great too. Thats my changing cart along with the m55 with eliptical original stylus.....tbh its due to be swapped round

[walpurgis]

I'm sticking with my ZYX MCs!

Had Deccas, Ortofons, Denons, Shures, Stantons...you name it.

I've retained a small collection of vintage ADCs, 'cos they're a bit special.

[DSJR]

I can't agree on the M55E fervour here, as mine is so thick toned in the bass and underwhelmingly polite everywhere else - big bass sound though... The AT110E was clearer than my M55E in the mid-bass and I was spoiled in that a good M75-ED was far better again, with a similar restrained hf as is usual with old mm's with mid treble suckouts. Best by far of all these oldies for me if the arm can take it was the V15 T2, which had a better diamond than the 75/91-ED and even higher compliance. Mine sounds amazing albeit slightly recessed up top, the main criticism of this model at the time. The V15 III with original tip was ruler flat, but a bit hard toned sometimes in current experience and in comparison with my (also) beloved ADC's.

Shure did move on and refine their designs, and I loved the compromises in the now old M97HE - meaty but Tuneful bass with some clarity and a lovely treble end. The nearest equivalent to that now is the 97XE, with a fairly similar tone I think, but different stylus fixings more in line with the V15V XMR and I think, the VST-V, which I remember as another goodie.

[walpurgis]

I can't agree on the M55E fervour here, as mine is so thick toned in the bass and underwhelmingly polite everywhere else - big bass sound though... The AT110E was clearer than my M55E in the mid-bass and I was spoiled in that a good M75-ED was far better again, with a similar restrained hf as is usual with old mm's with mid treble suckouts. Best by far of all these oldies for me if the arm can take it was the V15 T2, which had a better diamond than the 75/91-ED and even higher compliance. Mine sounds amazing albeit slightly recessed up top, the main criticism of this model at the time. The V15 III with original tip was ruler flat, but a bit hard toned sometimes in current experience and in comparison with my (also) beloved ADC's.

That's more or less my view too Dave.


I don't think anybody has mentioned Grado carts yet. I've had quite a few vintage Grados and they have always been very musical. At one time my main carts were either Decca London Blue or ADC 10E Mk.IV (never did decide which I liked best) and I bought a Grado F3+ out of curiosity and it sounded lovely. One could almost describe it in character as sounding somewhere between the Decca and ADC in character. I have a nice Grado F1+ sitting in its box waiting to be used. Could be good!

[CageyH]

That's more or less my view too Dave.


I don't think anybody has mentioned Grado carts yet. I've had quite a few vintage Grados and they have always been very musical. At one time my main carts were either Decca London Blue or ADC 10E Mk.IV (never did decide which I liked best) and I bought a Grado F3+ out of curiosity and it sounded lovely. One could almost describe it in character as sounding somewhere between the Decca and ADC in character. I have a nice Grado F1+ sitting in its box waiting to be used. Could be good!

What colour stylus would you recommend for my F2? Stick with the original spec, or upgrade it to the gold?

[walpurgis]

What colour stylus would you recommend for my F2? Stick with the original spec, or upgrade it to the gold?

Personally I'd stick with original spec styli. I've not used 'modern' Grados, but the impression I get from people who've made the comparisons, are that the vintage models have a bit more musicality.

[CageyH]

The choice is the current replacement "Red" upgrade to the "Silver" which is what an F1+ would use or go straight for the "Gold".
The original stylus has a bent cantilever, so is unusable in it's current state.

[DSJR]

Grado Prestige used to be three basic styli with two quality levels for each, hence the six models a few years ago. the two best ones for me were terminally dull sounding, and measured it too, so not just subjective but man people like this from vinyl. i thought the cheapest model, the Black, was the nicest as it had some bounce to it (in every sense but we'll move swiftly on). This was often the case with grado's, as even the cheapest 'nails' they made forty years ago (FC-E/FT and similar) were incredibly charming and cheeky in their reproduction and always entertaining.

[walpurgis]

even the cheapest 'nails' they made forty years ago (FC-E/FT and similar) were incredibly charming and cheeky in their reproduction and always entertaining.

I agree with that too. The lesser vintage Grados were plenty of fun.


As for replacements. Mantra Audio stock the full range of available Grado styli. I've dealt with them and found them helpful. I'm sure they'd advise on choices.

https://shop.mantra-audio.co.uk/acatalog/Grado_stylus.html

[CageyH]

I will drop them a line.
Thanks.

[danilo]

Over the decades starting from mid 60's I've owned most all Shures made. Only saying that I kept trying to find a 'better' one as they All worked well enough in a Mid Fi manner.
Typ Muddy bass, constrained highs and soundstage effects were rare and accidental.
IMO Shure = One sound
Went Grado (Shures were Off the market then) .. early 80s? Virtually identical sounds to the Shures
Different appearance basically.
Not tried a current Grado.
Did Buy a laughably cheap AT 92cde as a lark.
Hey! 20$ ..delivered.. from Amazon.
Did take some fiddling about getting it set up (it's a P Mount with included adaptor) which proved piss poor setup wise.
Once set It sounds Quite Good.. Better imo than my 'Old" grados by a lot! actually. Clear highs, defined bass and a consistent Soundstage.
My AT95VL is a Further good step upwards from the AT92.. definitely of similar sounds/ tonal balance though..in case anyone wonders.

These AT's could tend to the bright however.. IF.. your setup is inherently bright.

Otherwise the balance is Good.

[Arkless Electronics]

Grado Prestige used to be three basic styli with two quality levels for each, hence the six models a few years ago. the two best ones for me were terminally dull sounding, and measured it too, so not just subjective but man people like this from vinyl. i thought the cheapest model, the Black, was the nicest as it had some bounce to it (in every sense but we'll move swiftly on). This was often the case with grado's, as even the cheapest 'nails' they made forty years ago (FC-E/FT and similar) were incredibly charming and cheeky in their reproduction and always entertaining.

Indeed. I tried a Prestige Black many years ago and thought it lousy but many years before that I had an FCE+1 which was superb, and only about £14 new at the time! It would take on some expensive carts if my memory of it's capabilities are even reasonably accurate...