Considering new cart.

[Mikeandvan]

I'm impressed with the AT - 540 ML (or rather the RigB version I have - which is just the standard 540 bonded to a metal body). Yet I do find it slightly metallic sounding, big surprise. Was considering getting just the standard 540, I read a review which stated they preferred it to the 740, which is the 540 with a metal body, :lol: Anyway, if not another 540 (standard) then what else? I only want MM and around £200, £300 max. TT is 1210 GR, standard arm. Phono stage Graham slee era V. Looking for a smooth sound!

[CageyH]

What phono leads are you using? You need to be careful with the capacitance loading of AT MM cartridges.

[Mikeandvan]

What phono leads are you using? You need to be careful with the capacitance loading of AT MM cartridges.

'Straight wire' - Chorus.

[CageyH]

Do you know what the capacitance is?
Someone on AudioKarma has posted a measurement of 260pF for a 1M pair.
This will cause your cartridge to sound a bit “metallic” when combined with the phonostage.

[Mikeandvan]

Do you know what the capacitance is?
Someone on AudioKarma has posted a measurement of 260pF for a 1M pair.
This will cause your cartridge to sound a bit “metallic” when combined with the phonostage.

Really?

[CageyH]

Yes.

[CageyH]

The capacitance loading needs to be at the right level.

[walpurgis]

'Straight wire' - Chorus.

Decent cable. I have some.

[CageyH]

But what is the capacitance of the cable?
AT MMs need a specific capacitance loading, otherwise they don’t sound right.

[Macca]

For a smooth sound I always used to say Shure M75D but I don't think they make them anymore. I am so out of date with this stuff.

[CageyH]

Nagaoka might also be good.

[CageyH]

But they are expensive.
Other options are to change the stylus on the 540, for either of the elliptical styli.
This should make it a bit smoother.

[Mikeandvan]

But they are expensive.
Other options are to change the stylus on the 540, for either of the elliptical styli.
This should make it a bit smoother.

That sounds like a good idea, cheap too, as long as they fit?

[SiT4]

Before giving up on the RigB 540 it may be worth buying the standard 540ML. Maybe its just me but i don't think downgrading to the Elliptical will bring you a 'smoother' sound
just less detail and separation. The point from Cagey is worth bearing in mind as cable capacitance can make a more of a difference with MM carts than you think.

I use a similar system - modded 1210 and 540ML, but i don't find the sound to be metallic at all. I also have the RigB version on one cart, which seemed to give slightly more separation and detail, but again not metallic. That said it may be that the AT sound is not your cup of tea ?

[CageyH]

That sounds like a good idea, cheap too, as long as they fit?

They will fit. Have a look at the AT website to see what you would need.
However, as pointed out above, it may not help if you don’t like the AT sound.

[Stryder5]

I have a 540ml with about 20 hrs on it if you’re interested?

Gary

[Mikeandvan]

Before giving up on the RigB 540 it may be worth buying the standard 540ML. Maybe its just me but i don't think downgrading to the Elliptical will bring you a 'smoother' sound
just less detail and separation. The point from Cagey is worth bearing in mind as cable capacitance can make a more of a difference with MM carts than you think.

I use a similar system - modded 1210 and 540ML, but i don't find the sound to be metallic at all. I also have the RigB version on one cart, which seemed to give slightly more separation and detail, but again not metallic. That said it may be that the AT sound is not your cup of tea ?

What's the rest of your system? I do like the RigB 540, but with the aforementioned gripes. I like the separation and detail, is there a cart that has that and also sounds smooth, or is that not possible?

[SiT4]

What's the rest of your system? I do like the RigB 540, but with the aforementioned gripes. I like the separation and detail, is there a cart that has that and also sounds smooth, or is that not possible?

Hi Mike,

I use a modded 1210 with a rewired, stock arm, isonue feet and 5mm Achromat, fluid damper.

Phono is the Lehmann Black cube SE,

Amps Avondale Grad 1 pre and 130Z monos,

Shahinian arc speakers and black link cable.

I am not familiar with the equipment you use , apart from the deck so hard to say whats having the most influence on the sound.

[Mikeandvan]

Hi Mike,

I use a modded 1210 with a rewired, stock arm, isonue feet and 5mm Achromat, fluid damper.

Phono is the Lehmann Black cube SE,

Amps Avondale Grad 1 pre and 130Z monos,

Shahinian arc speakers and black link cable.

I am not familiar with the equipment you use , apart from the deck so hard to say whats having the most influence on the sound.

Oh ok, I imagine those Avondale amps are quite easy going?

[SiT4]

Oh ok, I imagine those Avondale amps are quite easy going?

The Grad 1 has a silky tonality to it but the 130Z were modded and have a punch, so its a good balance.