TIME TO REPLACE THE XTZ


I run a LP-12/VAL/GRACE-707 into an Adcom 565 preamp.
Happy with what it does to the Tab 2's through my slightly modified Audionics CC-2. But, things have gotten tired on the cartridge front.
I love the stage it presents. The detail is wonderfull when matched with my system.
I hate the woofer flutter. I hate the price too.
With the sound of a high end Grado in mind, my biggest lure being the soundstage and detail, what have any of ou found for 250.00 or less retail? (I must stick with MM.)
Anyone heard he Van Alstine green-horn grado thingy??
Any other good carts that image? Or should I just bite the bullet and send the thing back to them for a rebuild?
I would welcome any personal experiences you could share.
gumbydammit

Showing 2 responses by twl

Gumby, hi. The 707 would like a medium to high compliance cartridge. The lower compliance ones will be too much for the bearings of the ol' Grace. I think the Dynavector mentioned above might be good if you like the Dynavector Sound. The Goldrings are also good. If you want to go higher end, just make sure it is not too stiff. I have had some experience with the 707 and a stiff cartridge will definitely shake the bearings loose. If you want to go low compliance, a Rega RB-300 arm will definitely take you there, as those bearings are head and shoulders above the Grace. I personally believe that the arm will be more of a sonic improvement than the cartridge, and if you are going to buy a cartridge that will be with you for some time, it would be good to buy a matched set of tonearm/cartridge as a combined upgrade. If you could get an Ittok, it would be better yet. Either of these arms with a lower priced cartridge will give better results than the Grace 707 with a high priced cartridge. Please consider this idea. I have had a Linn/Ittok/Karma package in the past and it was terrific. I have also worked for years in a Linn/Naim dealer and heard hundreds of demos with different combinations. The arm is definitely more critical to the system than the cartridge. Just trying to help.
I modified a gimballed bulkhead mount for a 2 burner alcohol stove to attach to the turntable. You have to keep the cables routed out of the way, with a little slack to allow the necessary movement.