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which cartridge to pick?

post #1 of 12
2/11/12 at 2:41pm
Thread Starter 
I currently own an Audio Technica At440ml MM cartridge.
I replaced the stylus once already and am ready for another type of cartridge.

Audio Technica have suggested Audio Technica AT-33EV MC. But it is a low output MC and I am concerned it will be quieter than the already quiet cartridge compared to other sources it is replacing.

The blue point is less $$ but higher output 2.3MV compared to 0.3MV for the AT.
I have a separate Rotel 9708x step up MM/MC phono equalizer. The specs of this product are available on the Rotel site.

Question,will the recommended AT product be loud enough?

What other suggestions,(in this price range please) would also be recommended?

I think I want to go MC this time around.
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post #2 of 12
2/11/12 at 4:00pm
The Denon DL-110 and the Ortofon MC1 Turbo are both excellent high output MC carts. If you want to spend more the Sumiko Bluepoint No. 2 is very good.
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post #3 of 12
2/11/12 at 4:22pm
a suggestion ortofon mc3 turbo
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post #4 of 12
2/11/12 at 4:26pm
If you liked AT440, then next step should be AT150.
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post #5 of 12
2/11/12 at 6:23pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:


then next step should be AT150.

I thought MC technology to be superior to MM.
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post #6 of 12
2/12/12 at 5:10am
Not really. A less expensive cart could sound better on your TT. The interaction between the tonearm and the cart is very critical. A $55 Shure97Xe could sound better than a $850 Dynaector. Putting a MC cart instead of a MM on your tonearm does not insure an increase in audio quality. It could also sound worse. In the case of your TT a good MM from Shure, Ortofon or AT, priced between $55-$99 should get the most out of your TT.
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post #7 of 12
2/12/12 at 5:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kiwi2000 View Post

I thought MC technology to be superior to MM.

AT150 is a significant improvement over AT440. MC type cartridges are usually more expensive than MM and won't have real advantage unless you are ready to spend at least $500. If you are getting into expensive cartridges, you need to think about separate phono preamp. Sound quality depends on cartridge load, so you need a preamp, that permits to select different load - both resistance and capacitance.
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post #8 of 12
2/12/12 at 6:24am
W/your tonearm if it is a low mass arm it will proberly mate w/a high to very high compliance cart. A moderate mass arm will get better results w/a moderate to low compliance cart. I you match a low compliance cart w/low mass cart you'll get distortion and a good possiblity of mistracking. If your cart and arm are not properly matched it doesnt matter whether you have a $200 or $10,000 TT it will not sound right.
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post #9 of 12
2/12/12 at 10:30am
Thread Starter 
Quote:


You need to think about separate phono preamp. Sound quality depends on cartridge load, so you need a preamp, that permits to select different load - both resistance and capacitance.

As stated at the beginning of this thread,
I have a separate Rotel 9708x step up MM/MC phono equalizer. The specs of this product are available on the Rotel site.I am unsure how to interpret the specs of the Rotel unit to see if this type if cartridge would be suitable.

I am considering the Audio Technica AT-33EV MC for around $500.00.

I have a SME type 111 low mass tone arm and a Thorens TD 160 B Mk11 table.
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post #10 of 12
2/12/12 at 3:05pm
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SAE-1000LT-M...item53e5f309e2

Take a look at this HOMC. Gotten great reviews in the various forums from users. I have not heard it. I use a LOMC Dyna DV20XL which I like a lot.
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post #11 of 12
2/14/12 at 12:19pm
Thread Starter 
That is a very interesting option, thank you for finding it.
One would have to wonder however how the electronics in the item would be after 30 years storage?

I do not know about the nuts and bolts of the product but maybe some part might have dried out or something. Certainly no warranty on it.

Interesting for sure and it appears they have sold many!
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post #12 of 12
2/14/12 at 10:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kiwi2000 View Post

That is a very interesting option, thank you for finding it.
One would have to wonder however how the electronics in the item would be after 30 years storage?

I do not know about the nuts and bolts of the product but maybe some part might have dried out or something. Certainly no warranty on it.

Interesting for sure and it appears they have sold many!

Lots of people have raised the age issue on the SAE. All of the reviews I've read about it on other forums have been positive and no one has had an issue with it's age. If I hadn't picked up the Dyna cart, I probably would have gotten the SAE. I might still get one as a backup. I bought the Dyna because it's supposed to have great synergy with JMW tonearms and I wanted to try out a LOMC cart. So far, no complaints.
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