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Current TT: MMF-7
Under consideration used in excellent condition for $750: Project RPM 6.1 SB (w/o cartridge).
My MMF-7 is an older unit that does not have the carbon fiber tone arm.
I am also using the Project Speed Box II with it. I like it. I find it quick, involving with decent detail. It may not have the best timing, but I have lived with it for almost four years and have never regretted its purchase (used).
Will I find significant improvement with RPM 6.1, or is it more of a lateral move?
TIA
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Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
......just an 'ON' switch, Please!
Follow Ups:
Hi, wk,
I've been using a mmf-7 (vintage 2005) and have really enjoyed it. I bought a second (used) mmf-7 for a good price so I could experiment with phono stages and cartridges. And I agree with others that it would be more of a lateral move than a true upgrade changing to the RPM 6.1.
If it were me, I'd either save my money for a while yet and be looking at a much bigger step up, or, I'd think about trying out a moving coil cartridge. I ran a Goldring 1012GX for a while on the mmf-7 and it's a fine MM cartridge, but when I switched to a Dynavector DV-20XL the sound improved considerably. It's a somewhat extravagant splurge since the life span of MC cartridges is limited. But it is a nice diversion.
Enjoy the music and the vinyl journey.
Regards,
Tom
I don't quite follow the limited life span comment for MC. True you can't replace the stylus but the replacement stylus for a MM generally costs the better part of the full price so it's a bit academic.
And many manufacturers will give a discount on a turned-in worn cartridge for a new one, often even if not one of their own ... it's part of the high-priced MC "game", many, if not most of them, go for less than list by one means or another. :)
Short’s the best position they is. Bullet in the Brain
Hi, bjh,
I differ on the cost of MM stylus replacements; you can find replacements for around 60% to 75%. That includes the entire assembly, with a new suspension. And you can get replacement stylus assemblies for most any MM cartridge.
As for MC cartridges, you're right that I didn't give them some credit; if you consider exchanges. But the exchanges are all over the map. Some MC exchanges run about 20% to 30% discount for a new (retip) stylus on a used cartridge. No new suspension. Some exchanges are for upgrades only. Many do not have an exchange program at all. Some do provide a new cartridge and probably the best deal on MC exchanges is with Clearaudio. You get a new cartridge by trading in a used one and they'll give a good price on the trade-in. That's if you want a Clearaudio cartridge. Benz-Micro's pricing policy on the other hand is just irritating.
The high priced MC trade-in game is something I don't play. Or should I say can't afford.
Thanks for pointing out that there are options for MC cartridges. More limiting than for MM cartridges, but options just the same.
Regards,
Tom
Can't one just retip any MC cartride with say Peter Lederman? so even a $4000 - $8000 cartridge can simply get the $350 retip every so many years or am I missing something??
Hi, cwsiggy,
Retipping a MC cartridge is certainly an option, and depending on the condition of the suspension, would provide a like-new cartridge. But I have a hunch that if all the people that could have retipped a MC cartridge did so, Peter's business would be quickly swamped. It shows that retipping MC cartridges is on the fringes and not a common alternative to trade-ins or exchanges. It may be that if retipping cartridges becomes a more common practise that Peter would expand his business or other retipping services would start up. But at this time, the choices are still potentially limiting (how 'bout them weasle words :-) in comparison with MM cartridges. But your point is a good one and certainly an affordable option.I've been thinking about what I'll do when my favorite MC reaches the point where it needs a new stylus; retip or trade the cartridge in for a replacement?
Regards,
Tom
Edits: 06/29/12 06/29/12
Thanks- seems to me retipping (if done right) allows one to afford that dream cartridge in the long run. I'm wondering if the tip offered by Lederman is not as good as what normally comes with a megabuck MC cartridge... ?
I don't have any experience with Soundsmith's retipping service but from what I've been reading here on the Vinyl Asylum, he does top notch work. If the cantilever and stylus type allow for a retipping, I wouldn't have any qualms in having a stylus replaced on a cartridge. That's assuming that the suspension and damper are still in good condition. As for the megabuck cartridges, I suppose that if someone requested a special order stylus for a high end cartridge that Peter would be able to accomodate the request. After all, he's now selling megabuck cartridges under the Soundsmith name.
The topic of cantilever suspension longevity has come up now and again but I still don't have a good sense of just how long a suspension can be considered "within spec". For now my (highly subjective) rule of thumb is that a MC cartridge is probably good for one to two retips depending on how often you listen to records (go through a stylus in two to three years) and if the suspension has suffered repeated shocks (nasty warps, dropping the tonearm, etc.). But it'd be interesting to see what someone like Peter Lederman thinks about cartridge suspension longevity.
Regards,
Tom
Various factors apply - I have rebuilt 30year old carts where everything is perfect, and others that have failed in 5....some materials are designed for initial performance, with little respect to long term. others....seemingly forever.....
Peter Ledermann/Soundsmith
Hi, Peter,
Are there any generalities that can be made? Manufacturer, design, materials? For example, is there a particular design using certain materials that tends to have good longevity and retip success? Any words of wisdom?
Regards,
Tom
"using the Project Speed Box II with it. I like it. I find it quick, involving with decent detail. It may not have the best timing,"
I dont understand why, with a speed box, the timing would not be the most improved and be spot on.
Thanks all.
I suspected as much.
I will stay with my original plan and get a Soundsmith SMMC3.
----------------------------
Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
......just an 'ON' switch, Please!
Edits: 06/26/12
.
I can't imagine that's much of a boost... but other's would know better.
What are you running for a phono pre?? I'd upgrade that or cart first...
It's been heavily modified in the past year. Bob was V kind to give us advice on the project. I am V hapy with tube phono section. My buddy's Cary had no advantage when we tried it my system.
----------------------------
Practicing Curmudgeon & Audio Snob
......just an 'ON' switch, Please!
that would be "other folks would know better.." not other's. lol
Yes, but I still got his meaning (or is that the OP's meaning?)
I think it could also be "others would know better." What do you think? ;-)
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