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, 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 I am so out of date with this stuff.