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I am interested in these budget MC carts, the ATF2 in particular. I have never used Audio Technica moving coils, just their MMs. The ATF2 seems to be a new offering, so looking for some feedback. Thanks.
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I have experience with many AT cartridges both MM and MC and own the F7. Unless you are very curious I wouldn't recommend buying one - certainly not at the current prices - I would look at a Denon DL301 first if you want a good introduction to what an MC can do for you.
The F7 had very good basic performance (LF tracking ability was very good at the nominal VTF of 2g), but the sound was rather dull and sibilant on hotter cuts with higher HF energy suggesting a higher tip mass than would be ideal.
The resolution of the nude tip of the F7 would in theory be superior to the AT33EV especially on inner grooves, being 0.2x0.7 mil rather than 0.3x0.7 mil as for the AT33EV. However, that isn't the whole story as it depends on the tip mass and damping characteristics.
Also, the VTF is very high for such a fine cut elliptical and the wear on grooves will be considerable.
Regards Anthony
"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats
Thanks for all the input. It does look like the budget AT moving coils may not be anything special when compared to Denon ones. I have used both HOMC and LOMC Denons except for the 304. I just wanted to try a different flavor over the Christmas break for fun. Ortofon Vivo blue or Quintet blue anyone? Seem to get rave reviews online.
PS for Lini: The DG LPs (not all) tend to be bass shy and dry so a more "euphonic" cart is not bad for those.
but I haven't tried it on yet!
I like it a lot. More neutral than the microline AT carts I've owned. I find their ellipticals to be easier on the ears.
I run it through a DIY SUT I made from Shure mic trannies, and then to a Hagerman Cornet2 and on to a tube integrated (and Magnepan speakers). Sounds nice.
I've never heard them either, but their prices look attractive. LP Gear sells the AT-F2 for $185 and the AT-F7 for $250 .
I do own two Audio Technica cartridges and I like them both. One is the AT-ART7 and the other is the AT33EV. The AT-ART7 is currently my favorite cartridge.
In the past I owned the AT-OC9ML/II and I found it to be somewhat bright and harsh in the highs. The AT33EV is a significant departure from that harsh sound being rather warm and pleasant. The AT-ART7 is somewhere in-between leaning toward accurate, transparent and smoothly detailed.
I have no idea how the AT-F2 and AT-F7 sound, but they are inexpensive enough to make them worth a try. If you buy one, let us know how you like it.
Best regards,
John Elison
I bought an F7 a couple of years back when the price was about USD 200. It could almost be considered a bargain at that price, but not at current prices. However, compared to a "properly functioning" Denon DL301 (given that I have a second unit which was a complete dud IMO!), it is somewhat inferior as far as sound quality goes.
The fundamentals of LF tracking ability are very good - achieving > 80um at 2g. However, the sound tended to be a little sibilant and somewhat uninvolving. Also, for a 0.2x0.7mil tip, the VTF will have a considerably higher level of groove wear compared to the AT33EV or the DL301/II.
Personally, I wouldn't recommend anyone buying it for serious use except as a "beater" or simply to satisfy curiousity....which is why I own one!
Regards Anthony
"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats
Thanks for the input guys. At33EV might be what I need to step up to in case of AT MC.
Manfred, for sure a nude elliptical resolves better but I don't shy away from less advanced styli. They make plenty of old records more listenable. If you have a large collection of DG classical like me, you know what I mean:)
rotarius: Well, that can certainly be a point, if your record collection calls for a different tip. But are you sure that it's the bonded vs. nude that makes the difference ('cause I would have rather suspecte the curvature radii to have a bigger impact, also as that would fit better to my own experiences...)?
Greetings from Munich!
Manfred / lini
P.S.: Regarding the DG classicals: Sorry, I know it's a bit of a shame, but I own next to zero cassical records - and only a few CDs... Hence I also don't know what exactly you intended to hint to.
The F2 is a very entry-level model with bonded needle. You'd better go for the F7, and a few dealers also still offer the F3/III.
Greetings from Munich!
Manfred / lini
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