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What replacement cartridge for BSR Quanta 400?

I am eagerly awaiting delivery of my Supratek Chenin preamp, and am looking to tune up my old BSR Quanta 400 turntable while I wait. I eventually plan to get a VPI TT, but until then, the BSR will have to do. It's in great shape, since I've been out of vinyl since the mid-80s (I know, shame on me!), and it's been in storage, but I think I'll replace the drive belt, and upgrade the stock cartridge (the one it had when I bought it way back in the late 70's). I can't wait to hear vinyl sounds coming from my Zu Druids. I would appreciate any suggestions regarding an appropriate replacement cartridge. I'm looking for something that's very good, but not out of line for the quality of the BSR. Thanks in advance.
ait
rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Ait: Goldring and Shure could be very good options, too.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
ait OP
480 posts
 
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).
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
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.
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
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.
ait OP
480 posts
 
Well now I'm totally confused. I've heard that MM is preferable for the BSR, but MC is needed for the Chenin. I guess I will keep looking at MC's - what I gather is that I need one with medium to high compliance, and output in the .25 - .8mV range.
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