Best cartridge for modded Technics 1200

07-20-08: Gadfly
I have a DL-160 on the SL1200 and can't get rid of sibilance which does not show up on finer styluses that are on the Ortofon 2M Black and retipped Denon DL103.

When I was running a DL-160 on an SL1210 M5G, I noticed the sibilance went down slightly when I got a better phono stage. Ultimately, however, I upgraded to an Audio Technica AT150MLX and couldn't be happier. It does the things I liked about the DL-160 (even tonality, musicality, good level of detail and tracking for the money), and adds several more into the mix (better tracking, more detail, higher output, better stereo separation, smoother yet airier treble, *no more spitty sibilants*, very present and solid-sounding midrange while improving the frequency extension at both ends. Fuller yet better-defined bass).

One thing I noticed is that I needed to clean the DL-160 stylus after playing about 3 sides, but I hardly ever have to clean the AT150MLX stylus. I wonder if this resistance to build-up has anything to do with the difference in how it handles sibilants, or perhaps the difference in stylus shape avoids gunk *and* tracks sibilants better.

I really like the DL160. The slightly warm midrange, energetic expanse of the display, definition/detail, topend extension. But the stylus is it's weak spot even though it is supposed to be a finely made elliptical. I plan on getting it retipped with a fine line stylus which should rid it of all distortion, improve already good tracking, and finally rid it of all sibilance.

Like I said, if you like the DL-160, I think you'd *love* the AT150MLX. No need for a re-tip, and the replacement stylus is available for $179.95, or the price of a DL-160.

I have a DL-160 on the SL1200 and can't get rid of sibilance which does not show up on finer styluses that are on the Ortofon 2M Black and retipped Denon DL103.
Gadfly (Threads | Answers)

I will lay odds this is due to cartridge set-up rather than the cart, stylus or phono, and it's not limited to your set-up, but to all those discussed.

Why do I say this? Because I have had marginal sibilance issues as well, and with several carts including Benz Ace (marginally problematic), AT150MLX (most problematic), Dynavector XX2 MK2 (least problematic).

I solved the problem this weekend, and the solution was the MintLP Best Tractor protractor. My cartridge set-up was not properly dialed in, despite using a Technics specific protractor. The MintLP demonstrated this very quickly.

The MintLP Best Tractor, if properly used, will eradicate sibilance caused by microscopic mistracking. It will be a revelation to you if you follow the alignment procedure according to the instructions.

IMO, it is a more valuable mod/tweak than any of those offered by KAB, which are excellent but should come after a proper cartridge set-up (and no, the Technics jig is not sufficient because it does not help align the cart).

Indispensable. I can't recommend the MintLP Best Tractor highly enough.

st up on the 160. I don't know. I've had this issue with this cart across two different tables. It really shows up in comparison to the other cartridges. On it's own I wouldn't have a big deal about it.

It's not a killer amount of sibilance, I suppose, but it really really bugs you when you have two carts that don't do it at all.

So it's not the phono stage or setup. It's the cart. But I have been poking around reading about the fluid damper and someone says it reduces sibilance on a cart that he was using. I plan on getting that damper so I will hold onto the 160 and see if it makes a difference.

I quote TVAD: "My cartridge set-up was not properly dialed in, despite using a Technics specific protractor." Now using that protractor is a big nono. I am using KWILLIS' homemade arc protractor and it is easy to align a cart with it. Check out KWILLIS over at the Vinyl Asylum to get one.

Dude. NEVER use that Technics protractor.

Johnnyb53, I heard those AT carts are peaky, bright. You should check out the Ortofon 2M's. I have the 2M Black and I love it.

I was using the Baerwald Arc Protractor specific to the Technics SL12xx, downloaded from VinylEngine.com, and accurately sized.

Now, admittedly, I was perhaps not using it accurately. I'm not criticizing the protractor, but I am promoting the benefits of the design and effectiveness of the MintLP Best Tractor, and it's accompanying excellent instructions. The MintLP protractor is designed using a printed guide on a mirror that enables the accuracy of one's cartridge alignment to be well beyond what is possible using a protractor printed on card stock.

The MintLP was a revelation to me, as it has it been for several other Audiogon members who have discussed the protractor in other threads.

Also, please understand that I am not dismissing the quality of one cart over another. However, I am making a point that some problems mentioned in these threads that are attributed to carts are clearly attributable to set-up rather than the carts.

I suspect many readers who read my post will dismiss the advice about the MintLP. It's natural for each of us to assume we are doing everything correctly, and that we can be taught nothing.

Give the MintLP Best Tractor a try, or not.

Have fun!

I'm in the same boat having just purchased here a SL1200 with the KAB tonearm damper. I like what I've read about the Audio-Technica AT150mlx in terms of price/performance and output (not wanting the expense of a step-up) and am leading in that direction.

But I'm curious, has anyone had any experience with the Stanton 890LE that KAB is now selling?? It's less expensive than his S30 (which I've heard is not as good as the AT150) but I like the high output (I'm running a passive preamp) and am wondering how good it might be.