MY System

[Marco]

Hi King,

I just LOVE that triple-armed Technics! It is one seriously cool piece of kit... Jealous? Just a bit! And trust me, I don't say that very often

The effective mass of the MA 505S tonearm is about 15 grams, is it compatible? Or should I partner it with a heavier arm? Marco, can you please advice, thank you!

In short, my friend, you don't have enough mass. Dave is right. Therefore, you either put the heaviest headshell you've got on the MA 505S (ideally you're looking for a headshell with a mass of around 18g), use that with the M7D and see how that goes, or you do that and also use your heaviest arm. The M3D (or your M7D) positively *love* lots of mass, even when the N21 stylus is used.

Have you seen the types of arms these cartridges were originally partnered with? You could use them as girders for the Golden Gate Bridge!!

So........ Think mass, mass and more mass with these babies, and the bass should definitely 'come alive' accordingly

Marco.

[Alex_UK]

Have to agree with Marco, that is such a cool looking setup. Wonder if anyone's ever done a triple armed Garrard 401... Joining this "free" forum is looking like being the most expensive thing I've ever done!

Anyway, good luck with following Marco's & Dave's advice with the new cartridge and look forward to hearing how you get on.

[kcc123]

Hi,
If the M3D or M7D loves mass, then a FR64/FR66 would be an ideal candidate, but I don’t have one however. The heaviest arm that I have is the Sony PUA-7 which is 25 grams in mass, including the stock 12 grams headshell. Unfortunately, it has been taken apart by me prior to a complete rewire, with 4 single continuous runs of pure silver wire from the headshell to RCA phono plugs. In the mean time, I simply don’t have the time and interest to finish the job. Alternatively, I can mount it on the SAEC 308L tonearm with a 15 grams AT headshell, the additional weight of the headshell will bring the effective mass of the arm well over 20 grams, I assume it should be my best option. OK, I will wait and see how it goes

[Marco]

Yep, King, that's probably your best option. If you prefer the MA 505S, however, then simply fit it with your heaviest headshell (or 'beef up' the existing one) and see how that goes

Keep us posted, mate

Marco.

[kcc123]

Two more of my cartridges:-

Ortofon M20FL Super - the best Ortofon MM cartridge in the past







Audio Technica AT440 ML - another excellent cartridge from Audio Technica

[The Grand Wazoo]

King,
Your photography is consistantly & reliably excellent.
I admire it very much...........

[kcc123]

Hi Chris,

Thank you!

[bacobits]

Superb!!!
I love looking at the equipment but those cartridge/needle shots are some of the best I've seen. I wish I kept a lot of the equipment I had over the years.

Nice!

Den

[kcc123]

Hi Den,

Your comment is very much appreciated, thank you!
I hope you and all the others have enjoyed my photos.

[kcc123]

Yesterday I dug out my Nagaoka headshell (12 grams) and stalled the Shure M7D on it. After aligning the cartridge and setting the VTF, I have started listening and evaluating it again since. The extra 2 grams ( 10 grams for the AT headshell)in weight of the Nagaoka headshell seems to be beneficial to the Shure, now the bass is slightly deeper and more solid but still not weighty enough and up to my satisfaction, I would love a bit more slam and attack in the mid bass. I think, I will try it on the AT1010 arm and see if it can match the Shure better.



Today I have just put back the Stanton 681EEE into service again but I am disappointed with the results when it is loaded at 47K. when loaded at 100K ohms the sound is more open with a very smooth mid range and absolutely no harshness in the treble, but it simply lacks a bit sparkle and excitement. In other words, it is slightly bland and boring in my system.