time for a new cartridge?
Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Turntable Audio
Forum Name: MM: Moving Magnet | MC: Moving Coil
Forum Description: Learn about the differences between moving magnet and moving coil cartridges here
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4253
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 2:12am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: time for a new cartridge?
Posted By: Bonzo
Subject: time for a new cartridge?
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2017 at 9:16pm
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The cantilever on my present cartridge (L*nn Adikt) is starting to ride a little low, in that on some records the body rubs on the record surface, so time to renew me thinks but I came across the receipt for the cartridge and I bought it in 2004. The stylus isn't original but is it time to change the whole cartridge rather than just the stylus - purely on age, as the parts in the main body are probably past their best. Or this could be me wanting a change having heard the Clearaudio ebony artist v2 and having been impressed? |
Replies:
Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 12:54am
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Hey Bonzo, Surely it won't hurt to shop around a little, just to check out what's available? I've not heard your cart, so I can't say what it's supposed to sound like in top condition, but if you were so impressed by the Clearaudio maybe it's a big step up? So many terrific carts out there, so little time. Or money. Mick. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |
Posted By: Chris Firth
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 1:16am
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If your cart is grounding it sounds like your cart's suspension is bolloxed (technical term), unless the VTF is set waayyy too high. Check your set up properly, and get yourself a decent stylus balance if you haven't already got one. |
Posted By: Bonzo
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 5:16pm
| Mick, you're right there are some good sounding cartridges out there but it's difficult to demo any and it's more based on hearing one in somebody else system or on recommendation - my brother in law sings the praises of the quintet bronze but I'm not sold on the idea of a MC as my budget would get me a lower end MC whereas it would get me a top end MM. I went to a HI FI show at weekend hoping for some inspiration but the only two cartridges I heard that sounded good to me was the Adikt and an IQ3 so bit of a let down really. Never mind keep looking and decide by weekend. |
Posted By: Bonzo
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 5:18pm
| Chris, Had the same thoughts but everything was set ok, so have to go with your diagnosis, the stylus is cream crackered. |
Posted By: Chris Firth
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 7:33pm
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I use one of these - I don't trust setup markings on the arm at all http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Cartridge-Stylus-Force-Scale-Accurate-Tracking-Gauge-0-01g-Batteries-/222456033323?hash=item33cb69b02b:g:CcsAAOSwawpXqvPG" rel="nofollow - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-Cartridge-Stylus-Force-Scale-Accurate-Tracking-Gauge-0-01g-Batteries-/222456033323?hash=item33cb69b02b:g:CcsAAOSwawpXqvPG |
Posted By: Richardl60
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 7:43pm
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Hi, auditioning cartridges is difficult but not impossible. Personally cartridges like speakers are a lot down to what you prefer or suits you and your system whereas GENERALLY electronics I have found are easier to assess and in May case less system dependent unless you are trying to trade off foibles or one element against another. Where approx do you live? |
Posted By: Bonzo
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 9:11pm
| Chris, looks interesting, I still use the old Shure scales as I don't trust the indications on the weight on the Ittok, fiddly but gets there, heard of but never thought about buying a digital scale looks easy enough to use, have to give it a try. |
Posted By: Bonzo
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 9:13pm
| Richard, truth be told just up the road from Chris. |
Posted By: Richardl60
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 9:24pm
| Ok but no idea where Chris lives!! |
Posted By: Bonzo
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 9:29pm
| I don't know his address but his message profile says he's from Rossendale I'm up the road in Hyndburn. |
Posted By: Richardl60
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 10:14pm
| Well if you fancy a day out in Stockton on teeside try Simon at turntable world. Good stocks excellent demo facilities and leaves you to get on and decide yourself. Some years ago I tried 3 phono stages, 5 cartridges and three arms! |
Posted By: Fatmangolf
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 11:38pm
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I will gladly second any recommendation of Turntable World/Hifi Sound. Simon has given me lots of good advice that has helped me get the best out of my analogue gear. At different times I bought my GyroDec and SME series IV arm, second hand as was my Transfiguration Phoenix from his second hand offer. The shop is nicely located on the riverside with parking close by, or Thornaby train station is in walking distance. ------------- Jon Open mind and ears whilst owning GSP Genera, Accession M, Accession MC, Elevator EXP, Solo ULDE, Proprius amps, Cusat50 cables, Lautus digital cable, Spatia cables and links, and a Majestic DAC. |
Posted By: Bonzo
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2017 at 6:57pm
| Thanks chaps had a look at his website seems like you've made a good recommendation certainly one to bear in mind. Had a suggestion from herself, which is replace the stylus and then get the new phono stage I want/need, live with it for a while and take it from there. Lost for words. |
Posted By: Bonzo
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2017 at 2:23pm
Been a good boy and done as I was told, just ordered a Reflex m. Can't wait 
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Posted By: ICL1P
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2017 at 7:32pm
Enjoy! ------------- Ifor ===== Reflex M & ACCESSION M, CuSat50, Majestic DAC, a Proprius pair. |
Bonzo wrote:Posted By: Bonzo
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2017 at 9:10pm
Forgot to say the Reflex M had arrived, and post a review -  . Now back to the music.
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Posted By: Aussie Mick
Date Posted: 30 Jul 2017 at 6:07am
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Ah...music. ------------- Rega RP8 - Apheta 2 - Accession MC Enigma PS -Solo ULDE (Focal Utopia) - PS Audio M700 - Fical Kanta No2 |