OLD MC CARTRIDGES [message #11623] |
Fri, 04 June 2004 18:42 |
Manualblock
Messages: 4973 Registered: May 2009
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Illuminati (13th Degree) |
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Like to bring some observations to the table. Many say that older MC carts. are bad for records due to the cantilever suspension components drying out and magnets losing strength. I have tried an older model Empire MC Gold on the Linn and cannot tell if there in fact is any degeneration. My older model Denon DL 103 is approaching 5 yrs. now and still sounds fresh compared with my buddies Denon of a newer vintage. I wonder if anyone has any info. or test results that can clarify this subject. Older MC's go very cheap compared to new models and I am contemplating having the Denon re-tipped. My control is a Shure Type 3 that is of course quite old but still compares favorably to the MC's. Two Grado's, a G2 and Green model round out the stable but I am not a big fan of them possibly due to the mass of the Ittok causing incompatibility problems. Any interest out there?
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Re: OLD MC CARTRIDGES [message #11624 is a reply to message #11623] |
Sat, 05 June 2004 00:21 |
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Wayne Parham
Messages: 18793 Registered: January 2001
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Illuminati (33rd Degree) |
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Interesting subject. I'd like to know if there is any concrete information as well. This isn't really the same thing, as it's a 1970's MM cartridge, but I'm quite fond of the Audio Technica AT20SL. It was sold as a limited edition unit and came in a wooden display case. I've managed to keep two of them in really good shape. I'm always concerned that needle replacement may become impossible. So far, there has always been a replacement that was suitable, having a high quality tip and cantilever. But the thing I worry about with turntables is losing the ability to service them, and needles are the primary concern. Belts for belt-drive tables rate a close second.
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Re: OLD MC CARTRIDGES [message #11630 is a reply to message #11624] |
Wed, 09 June 2004 11:16 |
DRCope
Messages: 160 Registered: May 2009 Location: Brooklyn, CT
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Master |
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Hi Wayne! As fond as you are of the vintage AT, there are far better cartridges out there, even among the MM ranks. As to belts, I have a supply of Rega belts that I laid in when I was still a Rega dealer, so you're covered. A bit off topic: You should try a trio of iso-bearings under your table. Repeated tests in my shop and at a couple New England Bottlehead meetings confirm that it's the next best thing short of a suspension. Firmer, more extended bass, more coherent, less strident everything else . . . . If you try it, stay with aluminum bearings. Steel and other extremely hard metals take on a nasty hard edge.
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Re: OLD MC CARTRIDGES [message #11635 is a reply to message #11633] |
Fri, 11 June 2004 08:13 |
DRCope
Messages: 160 Registered: May 2009 Location: Brooklyn, CT
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Master |
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I'm afraid I haven't got any experience with re-tipping. Sorry. Yes, lo output mc's are still the best way to get ALL the music off the vinyl, but choice of cartridge must be considered in the context of the phono front end (table, arm, step up), as well as the context of the system as a whole. One place where a blending of lo output mc and moving mag cartridges takes place is in the Audio Note IQ3, which is a moving mag cart, but uses the stylus tip and square cross section titanium cantilever used in the far more expensive AN mc carts. It creates a very interesting middle ground. There may be other examples of this that I'm not aware of. Anyone know of any others?
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Re: OLD MC CARTRIDGES [message #11638 is a reply to message #11637] |
Fri, 11 June 2004 10:12 |
DRCope
Messages: 160 Registered: May 2009 Location: Brooklyn, CT
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Master |
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Well, the increased mass and lower compliance (generally) make for increased demands on accuracy of alignment and tracking force. But as long as you're dealing with a high quality stylus tip, it shouldn't be a concern. At least, I haven't found it to be an issue, and know people who play incredibly rare old vinyl using nothing but moving coils and have no problems and no worries. Too light is NEVER a good thing, although going light as possible was very trendy 25 years ago.
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