Grace F-9

07-06-11: Lewm
Hi Rich, The Ruby by all accounts is by far the best of the bunch, so maybe you should look for a spare stylus assembly rather than an F9E. I could be wrong.

Hi Lew,

You're right, with the slight qualification that the exact nomenclature for what you are referring to is the "F-9E Ruby."

As you realize, an F-9E can be upgraded to an F-9E Ruby via a stylus replacement. The designation for the Ruby stylus itself is RS-9E.

Best regards,
-- Al

Well thanks to all, it appears the 5.5mV f9 is only for the F9L only. It would still be nice to know if the 5.5 mV cartridge is marked differently.

I don't think any cartridges are marked with this spec that I know off. If it helps the 9L body is gold compared to the others that are silver. The 9l has a clear acrylic frame for the stylus, 9E green frame, ruby red frame and I think there is one with a blue frame too.

Brad

Brad, thanks for the info.

I think what people are trying to tell you is that the difference between 3.5mV output and 5.5mV output is not going to make or break the match with the gain of your preamp. If your preamp works with only 3.5mV in, it will work fine with 5.5mV, and vice-versa. For that matter, it will work with any and all "normal" MM cartridges. The diff between 3.5mV and 5.5mV is less than 2 db.