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best mm/mc preamp under $200 and best mc cartridge under $500 for an SME 3009 S2 arm ?

I guess the title says it all.  The arm is on a Linn Sondek LP12.

- Has anyone had any ACTUAL experience with a moving coil cartridge on an SME S2 arm, which is very light and hence needs a hi compliance cartridge ?  $500 is the max I want to spend.  Bass slam & needing extra treble to the point of being too bright  is the most important factor to me.  At my age, my ears are not what they used to be :-)

- Also, can anyone suggest an under $200 mc/mm simple preamp ?

Thanks

128x128cakyol
tablejockey
743 posts
 
"yeah, with pocket size  Bluetooth speakers"

what does that even mean, Chakster?

Your often know it all response doesn't  address the OP's question.

The OP can go to the Schiit website to see the recommended unit IS below his threshold,and read the specs/reviews.


cakyol's avatar
cakyol OP
112 posts
 
Hi invictus, I will definitely try your recommendation.  The price seems very reasonable and more importantly, you have personal experience with it.  Sometimes price/performance ratios do not make sense and personal opinions are more valid.

Thanks again

dekay's avatar
dekay
2,959 posts
 
Google "Audio-Technica VM540ML" which is a MM that sells for around $250.

Considering your tonearm (9.5 grams effective mass) and your stated tonal preference it's a good prospect, IMO.

It's a fairly new entry into their line, but perhaps someone here has tried it (I've only read ambiguous online reviews).

I use an SME 3009II/non-improved with an effective mass of approx. 12.5 grams and would not consider using many/most moving coils with it (wouldn't consider using any of the ones I know of with your 9.5 gram version of the SME arm).

DeKay
cakyol's avatar
cakyol OP
112 posts
 
Hi DeKay,

Thanks for your suggestion.  I was thinking almost EXACTLY the same cartridge :-) or maybe the 740ML.  I read somewhere that bass had a bit more oomph on the 740.  But these things are so subjective.

Thanks again

chakster's avatar
chakster
2,482 posts
 


Bass slam & needing extra treble to the point of being too bright is the most important factor to me.



I’m still not sure how you can get these from a $130-200 phono stage?

The bass is the most problematic for all cheap phono stages, not only this, but it’s an illusion that phonostage can be good at this price point.

Also if you want a extra treble then you have to definitely load your cartridge at 100k Ohm (not at 47k Ohm).

As we can see the RCA on Schiit Mani are the cheapest as all the parts, i’m sure, otherwise it’s simply impossible to make a phono stage, a pair of Vishay 100k restistors cost $40-60 alone.

In my opinion you can buy much better phono stage used for $400

SoundSmith selling preamps too:
https://www.sound-smith.com/phono-preamps











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