Original US model Shure SC35C

[Marco]

Hi Andy,

I've used cartridges which track at high VTFs for over 25 years and have never had problems with excessive or premature record wear

Quite simply, it's a non-issue, *providing* that the stylus of the cartridge in question isn't worn and is kept in tip-top condition, and the cartridge is correctly aligned and set up optimally, tracking at the correct downforce.

FACT: more damage is done to records with cartridges which have worn styli, or that are skipping about at too low VTFs, than with ones tracking securely at 4g!

As for high-output MM cartridges overloading phonostages, it's unlikely, but much depends on the design of the phonostage in question.

Hope that helps!

Marco.

[wiicrackpot]

Thanks a bunch Marco, it's just i've read this thread and got me thinking with such high tracking force, the stylii must be like a pneumatic drill going through the groove, silly me.

[DSJR]

The secret is to have a vintage stylus retipped with a decent modern "naked" diamond, which I can guarantee will have a better finish than the bits of roughly polished coal that Shure originally fitted


[edit] - I believe one can go safely up to several grammes tracking weight with a typical conical tip.

[Marco]

The last point is particularly pertinent, as conical tips have a larger and 'fatter' footprint than elliptical or fine-line styli, which means that they don't dig as deeply into grooves...

Marco.

[chelsea]

The last point is particularly pertinent, as conical tips have a larger and 'fatter' footprint than elliptical or fine-line styli, which means that they don't dig as deeply into grooves...

Marco.

Is there a general rule as to what shape sounds best?

[Marco]

Hi Stu,

No, it's not quite as black & white as that, although most people would likely favour the sonic signature of a good elliptical, or indeed a fine-line, both of which are technically superior to spherical (conical) styli.

As usual, however, it's not as simple as that, as the stylus is only one of the consitituent parts of a cartridge - it's how the full package works as a whole that matters most, and indeed how well the chosen cartridge matches its partnering tonearm, sonically, all of which represents the "synergy" I've been discussing

Marco.

[chelsea]

Cheers marco.

[wiicrackpot]

The secret is to have a vintage stylus retipped with a decent modern "naked" diamond, which I can guarantee will have a better finish than the bits of roughly polished coal that Shure originally fitted


[edit] - I believe one can go safely up to several grammes tracking weight with a typical conical tip.

You have a brilliant way with words Dave, will save your tip in my Dave folder.
if that was the case, why are we bothering with vintage carts?, why not just buy a new one with modern naked diamond.
don't think my Alpha can accommodate that, will have to fit mt Audiotechnica ATP12t arm to cope.

[DSJR]

Better to delete the contents of this post...

[wiicrackpot]

Dave,

Thanks for the thorough information in budget gems on all things cartridges, i used to be firmly set on high priced moving coils as i thought anything below £250.00 can't be any good, i'm glad i've righted my ways via lurking in this place, so i have to add ADC ZLM and Ortofon M20 FL Super thats me set for carts to see me out to the end, it's gotten very expensive already as i have acrude the following which i'll turnto when my Benz Lp Ebony dies.

Shure V15 VMR with Ed Saunders tip
Technics EPC 205c mk4 (minter & the smallest tip profile i ever seen period)
Stanton 681 EEE
Denon 103r
Decca London 'gold' (vintage bought recently)
Ortofon GT (coming)
Shure sc35c (US version NOS white lettering and made in USA at the back)

Tonearms to suit are Alphason HR100s,Audiotechnica ATP12t,Audiotechnica AT1120,Michell Tecnoarm and now looking for a Unipivot to suit Decca, possibly Kuzma Stogi S.

Sorry for the willy waving guys, is there anything missing that i should check out before words get out and prices go stupid.

wii.