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help with cartridge selection

Hi,
I'm very new and would appreciate any advice.
I have a Garrard 401 and a SME 3009 S2 Improved(fixed headshell.
I have been reading about what cartridge to use with this arm and there are several options. From what I understand if I want to use the SME 3009 S2 Improved without mods I can use a Goldring 1042, or a Shure V15 or a Grado Red or a Shure M97xE as those seems the better matches.
And also some experiences tell that if I wanna use a Denon DL103 with the SME 3009 S2 Improved I need to change the SME plastic bearings for bronze ones and make other mods.

I couldnt find too many comments about how the arm/cartridge combos match with the Garrard 401 specifically. So I would like some advice on what will be the best cartridge for the SME 3009 S2 Improved with a garrard 401.
Thanks,
-bird
birdliver
stefanl
296 posts
 
Just a note here I would not necessarily concur with the Denon 103 being a bad match for the SME tonearm.Over at VA a few years ago John Elison estimated that the real compliance of the Denon was around 10-12cus not 5-6cus given in the Denon manual,as this is a 100hz rating and not the more typical one usually given for 10hz.Therefore this 'new' or more realistic rating would more correctly place the Denon close to the optimum 11-12hz required,thus it's fine to use on that SME arm.Please correct me if I'm wrong here.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I can't speak to the stock Denon 103 but the 14 gram Zu/Denon 103 and 103R perform quite well in tonearms with effective masses around 10 grams. I have many positive responses from customers in this regard.

Zu voiced these cartridges with Rega tonearms which I believe are in the 9-11 gram range.

However, a heavier counterweight may be necessary.

Dealer disclaimer.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Stefanl,

You're right about those numbers of course. The 103's real compliance has been known for many years, long before John Ellison ever posted about it.

My guidance was not based on arm/cart resonance calculations, which are only useful for avoiding gross incompatibilities. Actual performance is better assessed by listening, and my guidance was based on that.

I've used the stock 103/103R in arms with effective masses ranging from 10-11g (including Rega) up to 18g or so. Does it work on the lighter arms? Sure. Does it work optimally? No, not even close.

I assume the OP is looking for the best performance for his money.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Agree completely with Doug,s assesment. My experience with my stock 103 is that it does not come into its own until used in arms of 15 grams effective mass or greater. If you do the math, this also agrees with Bill's point about the ZU working well in arms at 9 to 10 grams effective mass (it was designed on the Rega arms)as the metal body adds about 5 grams to the whole affair. My 103D works better in the lighter arms, but it has not been made in thirty years or so.
birdliver OP
21 posts
 
I appreciate all the contributions. I will look for high compliance cartridges and have gotten some advice from Raul, also. I think that there are enough options available without my forcing the issue with the Denon 103/103R with this arm, albeit the consensus that it's an outstanding cart. Thanks everyone, it's been very helpful. Cheers,-bird
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