What replacement cartridge for BSR Quanta 400?

Dear Ait: I agree with Viridian. The BSR tonearm " likes " a high compliance cartridge, the 103 is a low compliance one and it is not the best match.

You could go for the Ortofon, Audio Technica, Empire and maybe a Grado. You don't have to go for an entry MM cartridge you could buy a good one that you can use it ( too ) when you up-grade your TT/tonearm, in this way you could enjoy the music today and tomorrow.

The MM cartridges are really good and many of them outperform the MC counterparts and in many ways compete " bis a bis " with the best MC ones.

Btw, right now you can buy through e-bay a remote control for your BSR TT: take a look.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Ait: Goldring and Shure could be very good options, too.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'm going to go with the Ortofon Super OM 40 ($239.00 at Jack's Music Factory).

I would suggest that you do not. Please allow me to explain why. Extreme stylus shapes, like the one on the OM-40 are analagous to a screwdriver head, thin and with sharp edges to the sides, a standard elliptical stylus, as found on the OM-20, is more oval shaped. With the extreme cuts, if the arm is not at exactly at the correct height, the edges of the stylus do not meet the groove completely flatly, this can actually recut the grooves compromising record life as well as shortening stylus life. Unfortunately, the BSR does not allow this height adjustment, though there are Mickey Mouse ways of changing the angle of the cartridge in the vertical plane, with shims, they are quite imprecise. The OM-20 has an elliptical stylus and the edges are rounder where they meet the grooves, this means that they are much less critical of this vertical tracking angle adjustment and will be a better bet. My experience would suggest an elliptical or conical stylus on this rig. Not a MicroRidge, Van Den Hul or Fine Line. One more proof that you may need the guidance of a good dealer more than you think. Just my two cents.

Ait-
Whatever you choose, keep an eye on the output voltage. the Chenin has a very flexible gain structure, but I would stay away from high output carts. Anything at 2.5 mV or up will overload the phono stage and result in a disappointing experience. I would avoid MM's altogether as Mick voices the phono stage for MC. It can drive even the lowest output MCs, but seems to function best in the .25 - .8mV range. If you are looking for a temporary solution, look for a used Dynavector 20X (low or high output). It's considered to be a "medium" compliance cart, and even the high output version is within the tolerance of the gain settings on the Chenin. IMHO an MM, any MM, with the Chenin would be a mistake.