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Respectfully seek some arm+cartridge advice

First off, thanks to all the wonderful advice flowing thru this forum.I have finally upgraded from my Phase Linear/GAS amp system and joined the audiophiles of the millenium - including back into vinyl.

I purchased a vintage GyroDec with an SME 3010-R and also an upgraded Scout with the JMW-9. Both will need cartridges. I've read what I can (my wife thinks I'm ignoring her) on cartridge selection but don't have a strong sense of what works - which I suspect means most all combos "work", the question is "how well".

So as a neophyte, how do I select a cartridge I will love? I now know MC has a lower voltage output but I think I'm ok there. I know to select a cartridge compatable with the arm's weight - but how?

I figure the simplest thing is to(unnecessarily) spend a lot of money or just ask what everyone's using - which I welcome if they're on similar equipment.

I don't want to spend thousands and I am frugal - so "used" is fine. I need 2 different cartridges and I'd like to keep it under $1,000 yet be happy.

My equipment is decent including a Lexi MC-12 pre, Theta/Dreadnaught amp plus a couple of tube amps and a Mcintosh amp. I purchased a Musical Fidelity phono pre-. Speakers will be Hyperions for HT and I have B&Ws and Definitive Tech's. I have rarely "loved" digital music and I tend to Pink Floyd, Alan Parsons and Rock 'n Roll of the 70s but also classical and jazz.

What I'd love is a primer on what to do if one exists. Failing that, any recommendations welcome - I don't mind trying a number of options and reselling what's not right.

Cheers all,
Kevin
arbrnrngr
hiradi
25 posts
 
Hi again from sunny,warm down under...
The "Grado wiggle and dance" sure made me laugh and took me back a lot of years,same with the Denon 103,which I thought was a reasonable honest cartridge...redone by Van den Hul it was very good,which,I suppose,proves in a way what Rauliruegas indicated...it is not up to the current crop of cartridges which have improved a lot...the difference between the ZYX here and the US is simple ,it can be bought here at a reasonable price...the lower range does not give up much to the Airy 3...I sold my Airy 2 for AU$1200-. which was a bargain,same goes for them new,...so Kevin's budget could be achieved and later he can ,if he likes the sound step up to one of the best like the ZYX Airy 3...No,I am not a dealer here,but luckily can get them at a good price...I am after many years yet to find a better cartridge for the price...BTW...my first Shelter lasted 6 years of flogging it with records daily,never had such a good run out of any cartridge and I do hope that the ZYX will do as well...they are both excellent products and neutral...not like a Koetsu...
Regards
Helmut
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Ps: " You'll have to hurry, the 103 line is being discontinued ". Dougdeacon: ¡ BRAVO ! Thank's God is being discontinued, in that way it can't do it more harm to anyone.
LOL. Good one Raul. I think the Denons are excellent performers for their price, but it was funny anyway. I'm glad the new year is starting with such good news for you!
:-)

Helmut,
I totally agree about ZYX vs. Shelter vs. Koetsu. Check out my review of the Airy's if you haven't already. Another good thing: ZYX will retip/rebuild when the time comes. Shelter tells you to throw it away.

Doug
hiradi
25 posts
 
Hello Doug...
What a excellent review !!! You covered it all ...from the somewhat confusing line up of ZYX explaining high/low and now nud ,to a very good comparising to the Shelter 901...Thanks...hope to see more reviews from you ...
hiradi
25 posts
 
And... SORRY ...No more killer deals from down under on ZYX...Thanks to your exclusive distributor...not allowed to sell to Audiogon members...Free Trade in the US of A ???
But thats another subject...
Enjoy the music
Helmut
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Doug: " I think the Denons are excellent performers for their price...".

Well the Shelther 90X is an exellent performer for it price, too. That statement means really nothing about the quality music sound reproduction.

Many people in this forum think that the 103/103R are the bargain of the century, but I never read why and against who.

You can find ( second hand ) a Sumiko Celebration for 800-900 dls or a Denon DS-1 for 600-700 dls. Try any one of these cartridges against any Shelther or ZYX and you can " see " why those cartridges are truly a " century bargain ".

Don't argue nothing till you try it ( you don't have nothing to loose, right? ) , BTW anyone.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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