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In Reply to: RE: And let's not forget the phonostage posted by bill_stevenson@bellsouth.net on January 04, 2017 at 11:32:26
Well, I plan to buy another MM cartridge. I'm waiting for the new line of Audio Technica cartridge to become available. The last MM cartridge I owned was the Shure V15VxMR and I didn't like it as much as any of my low-output moving coils. I'm hoping the new line of AT cartridges will impress me.
With regard to comparisons, you're right that most of us don't have the master tape to allow cartridge comparisons and vinyl comparisons to the source from which they were cut. We can only make judgements as to whether this cartridge sounds better than that cartridge. Still, it's fun to compare.
Best regards,
John Elison
Follow Ups:
John,
I have that AT150ANV that I would be happy to loan to you for evaluation. Interestingly enough I never liked it all that much, but love my Shure V15VxMR. I also have a Stanton 881 that still impresses me. Another very highly regarded MM is the Goldring 1042 (and related 1012), which is still in production. I have not heard them, but a lot of ink has been spilled praising the Soundsmith line. I never really liked the B&O cartridges, though, and that is the design that inspired the Soundsmiths. On the other hand, you seem very satisfied with your AT MC and there is nothing wrong with them at all. I have a much less expensive AT33 Mono ANV and it is an extremely satisfactory cartridge. Let me know if you want me to send the AT150ANV to you.
Bill
Hi Bill,
I plan to buy one of the new Audio Technica MM cartridges as soon as I can find out where to buy them. I'm rather partial to aluminum cantilevers and it seems all the new ones have aluminum cantilevers. I think I might feel the same as you about the AT150ANV, but I appreciate the offer. If you intend to sell it, you should probably keep it as new as possible. Therefore, I'll pass on borrowing it.
Thanks again,
John Elison
I am with you on tapered aluminum cantilevers. Many of the cartridges that I prefer have them. No intention of selling the AT150ANV, hadn't given any thought to it. The only audio component I have sold in perhaps the past 35 years has been my KAB modified SL1200Mk2. The new SL 1200GAE is getting a lot of use and I may wind up deciding to sell my Prime too. VPI is promising a mod for the 3D arm and I would like to give that a try before deciding. Also, after all the effort invested in getting my Prime to sound it's best, it would be a shame to give it up. If you change your mind on trying the AT150ANV the offer is open.
I wish you hadn't sold your KAB SL-1200 Mk2. It would have been interesting to compare the Mk2 to the GAE. I own a KAB SL-1200 Mk2 and I think it sounds very good.
Best regards,
John Elison
Oh I compared the two extensively. My MK2 had the following KAB modifications: Arm damping both internal and external, Cardas wiring, external PSU, record clamp. It sounded very good and I liked it a lot. The GAE simply sounds better. The difference I mostly attribute to the arm. A brighter more open sound. Better delineation of detail. More air, better bass definition - rosen on the bow stuff. All of this was noticeable, but certainly it was not a great difference. At the same time, the things that I admired in the MK2 were retained in the GAE. The ergonomics are superb, easy to set up, change cartridges, cue, all these things make both TTs a delight to use. In terms of the value factor the GAE cost $4k, the G costs something around $2700 (which has the magnesium arm), a clean MK2 with KAB mods something less than $1500 tops. Is it worth the difference? That is a tough call. I think the G version is for a person with audiophile sensibilities. But look at it another way. My Prime cost $4K but then I added an Eagle and Roadrunner (thanks to you and thanks again), a periphery ring, HRX pulley and extra belts, Counterintuitive, lots of futzing around because the pivot to spindle distance was out of spec etc. and lo and behold it is a $6k combination. The G or even the GAE is a no-brainer in this comparison.Bill
Edits: 01/09/17
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