Cartridge repair (MC310 or X3-MCP) or replacement/stylus upgrade for Technics SL-10

75.151.229.186

Posted by Keerjath on May 6, 2011 at 12:55:08

Posted this with my SL-10 thread but realized a new discussion would likely be best, reposted here with more info as new thread.

I have the serviced SL-10 back and I like what I hear so far. I started with a Grado Black, which was just OK. I have an Ortofon X3-MCP (not the current X1-MCP, but the now-discontinued X3 P-Mount model) with a bent cantilver, which I may send to Soundsmith for retipping. I bent the cantilver straight just to try it and surprisingly, it sounded pretty good too, better than the Black but given the cantilever I am sure it isn't optimum. Finally I plugged in a NOS Technics EPC P-540 that I have had for a long time and it sounded the best. I am using a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II preamp with the SL-10.

Clarity, definition, fullness and lack of distortion seem to be superior to my SL-1210M5G/AT OC9 ML/II setup, but the Technics cart lacks some of the sweetness of the OC9. If I could combine the timbre and tonality of the OC9 with the clarity and definition of the P-540, I'd be one happy camper. Not sure if an X3-MCP with a $250 Soundsmith retip would get me there, or if I need a LOMC to get what I want. Perhaps the P-540 will sweeten with break-in time but I am not anticipating that.

I tried the Technics MC310 LOMC cartridge using the same gain and load settings as the OC9, as the recommendations seem to be the same. The left channel sounds great but the MC310 definitely has the right channel out. All I can hear from the right speaker is a slight hum, and I worked the MC/MM switch in the back to make sure it wasn't affecting the sound. (I have heard that the switch can oxidize and take out a channel.) I used it in the defeat position because I had enough gain at the phono preamp.

I plan on using the SL-10 as my main turntable now but need to get better sound from the cartridge itself. Anyone know if they make a JICO SAS stylus for the P-540, or if the MC310 can be rebuilt by the likes of Soundsmith to restore the right channel? Maybe I should retip the X3-MCP, or try an OMP30 or OMP40. So many choices, and once you spend the money it is gone whether you are happy or not! Perhaps a working MC310 is my best investment, I can always have it retipped in the future once I have one that is working properly.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Topic - Cartridge repair (MC310 or X3-MCP) or replacement/stylus upgrade for Technics SL-10 - Keerjath 12:55:08 05/06/11 (0)

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.