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In Reply to: Two bits of advice posted by vinyl1 on December 18, 2005 at 19:37:59:
Ah, didn't even think about the phono stage. The Bellari VP129 looks like a real good deal, and I especially like the headphone jack on it. If I buy the bellari, I might have to make due with the standard cartridge on the MMF until a little more cash comes my way. Nonetheless, do you have any suggestions on cartridges for the MMF-5?
Follow Ups:
When it comes to cartridges, maybe especially with cartridges, there seems to be a wide array of opinions on which cartridge sounds "best" for a given price range. Goldring cartridges do not seem to be in high regard with many of the regular contributors; Denon's, for example, are often recommended. But if you do a search you'll find many others that do enjoy the Goldring sound, myself included. Hence my two bits of opinion.My advice would be to follow the advice of both hifitommy and Henry; if you get the mmf-5 give the 1012GX an honest audition before getting rid of it. It's a good cartridge and with that Pro-Ject tonearm, when that Gyger stylus is properly aligned, it's very quiet, tracks well without sibilance or inner groove distortion, and provides a good balanced sound. If that's what you're looking for. If not, then you can later try something else.
The NeedleDoctor has one of the best selections of Goldring cartridges and replacement styli.
Tom
It does make sense to try it out, since I will have it anyway. I am planning on buying the table and the bellari from the needle doctor, as I live within driving range of Minneapolis. Now if Jerry will just give me a deal since he doesn't have to ship them....... :)
Henry
Right, so that's why it would make sense for him to give me a deal if I picked it up at the store, rather than having him eat the price of shipping. We'll see what he says, I already emailed him.
i say keep the cart thats on the mmf5, and get the bellari from B&H photo for about $160 delivered. i really like mine and dont feel uncomfortable recommending it.later on down the line, if the cartridge doesnt sound as good as you like, then go for something else. you could even hold off on getting the bellari until you get used to your system. you would be changing things before evaluation, take your time.
...regards...tr
With the Bellari, you are limited to Moving Magnet carts, so possibly an Audio Technica AT-110E, 120E/T or 440ML, all under $100. They do require some serious break-in time before they begin to sing, however.
Or the venerable Shure M97xE for around $80. It's smoother, albeit not as detailed, and sounds great right out of the box.
Henry
Henry- Couldn't he use High Output MC's like the denon 110 and 160 as well ?
Dunno, Fred. 30dB just isn't enough gain for the 2mv DL-110 and 160 IMHO. My Stealth has 45 dB in the lowest gain setting, and with the DL-160, my vol control needed to go to 2 o'clock to get normal loud playback levels. It "might" be enough for a 2.5mv Dyna or the like, but I would not bet on it. The Bellari is much better suited to 5mv MMs.
Henry
Ah, very good things to think about. Anyone know what the retail price of the cartridge that comes with the MMF-5? Perhaps I could turn around and sell it right away.
The 1012GX Goldring retails for around $200, but I suggest giving it a fair audition. Don't dismiss it too quickly.
Henry
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