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Cartridge & Headshell for SL1210 M5G $399

I am purchasing a Technics SL1210 M5G player, and I see there are several SL12xx owners in this forum.

I will be getting the player with the Stanton Trackmaster II, but after reading the threads here, I think I would like to upgrade the Cartridge and maybe the Headshell.

I plan to get the tonearm damping upgrade. I can spend up to $399 for the Cartridge and Headshell. What would you recommend?

Associated Info:
Music: Rock, Female vocalist
Speakers: B&W 802D
Amps: Classe CA-M400
PrePro/Preamp: Denon AVP w/ MM 2.5Mv Sensitivity.
dmccombs
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I found the finger lift on the Sumiko when mounted with the cartridge and headshell causes quite a bit of distortion.
James1969 (System | Threads | Answers)
Most of the finest tonearms utilize finger lifts:
Hadcock, Triplanar, Graham, among others.

The finger lift on my ZuPreme causes absolutely no distortion that can be detected with it on versus with it removed, or in comparison with the stock Technics headshell.

I'd focus on proper set-up of the cartridge, arm, and leveling the table along the arc of the stylus.
dmccombs OP
112 posts
 
Thank you the comments so far. This sort of input is great.

So far, the consensus seems to be the Sumiko/Zupreme headshell, and the AT150MLX.

Darrell
james1969's avatar
james1969
345 posts
 
Tvad, thank you for that tip, I will double check my level settings.
dmccombs OP
112 posts
 
I'm not Tvad, but I'm running an AT150MLX mounted to an LPGear ZuPreme (just like a Sumiko) headshell on a Technics SL1210 M5G. I like this combo A LOT!

Johnny,

I saw you were running the Denon DL160 in April. I guess you found the AT150MLX to be better (for you)?

Darrell
dmccombs OP
112 posts
 
If I was willing to buy an inexpensive MM/MC Preamp (like the Rotel), what cartridges would you recommend in the same $399 price range?

Darrell
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