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Is a good Cermic Cartridge an Oxymoron?

A wonderful Metzner Starlight turntable (circa 1950s) is terrible thing to waste. Yet, its induction motor throws out so much EMF that I’m afraid it’s a two-pole and therefore a death sentence for all magnetic cartridges.
While I’m going to try some heavy MuMetal application with it, I want to prepare in the event that all the transmissions can’t be shielded. Do any good ceramics carts exist?
Thanks, Mario
mario_b

Showing 5 responses by eldartford

eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Narrod...I'll take your word for it. I never used such record players. I just can't visualize the geometry of the device.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Long ago, about 1958 or so, someone (Stanton maybe) made an effort to market a ceramic pickup which was about as good as the magnetics of that time. However, ceramics had gained such a reputation for cheap low fidelity and high tracking force that no one would buy it. By the way, I can't see how you could make a stereo ceramic.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Zaikesman...Alright already! Back on 4/17 my posting was all wet. My relative ignorance about ceramic cartridges proves I am a real audiophile.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Google "ceramic phono cartridge" and you will find a great deal of information (that I was unaware of). There is at least one respectable cartridge, priced near $80, that is said to track as low as 2 grams. Almost worth trying one just for fun.

Wait til the Idler Wheel crew hears about this!
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
I am sure that every single person who has played LPs has destroyed at least one stylus in this way :-( It was my luck to do it to a MC cartridge with non-replaceable stylus.

Ain't digital great!
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