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In Reply to: Cartridge recommendations posted by joetubes555 on April 22, 2007 at 06:51:47:
Just to give you perspective - I have a Thorens TD124, FR64fx, DL103R w/shibata stylus and a DIY EAR834P phono amp...In my opinion your table and arm are a solid base to build on - chasing a new arm/table combo will cost you a fortune and might not even equal the potential of what you have now. If you "feel" you must upgrade then put some money into the table - bring it up to MkV specs or whatever.
(Others may chime in here regarding the Oracle but the FR64fx is a very good arm - I'd keep it). Your cartridge is holding your system back, and maybe the amp, NOT the TT/arm combo.
I'd say buy a solid cartridge and maybe later a phono amp. Here's one approach...
1. If your MF phono amp can handle a low output moving coil cartridge (LOMC), buy a Denon DL103 for $150. The conical stylus will be great for your beater LP's and the combo of the DL103 and the FR64 is superb (I speak from first-hand experience here).
2. If the MF can't handle a LOMC, then try an AT or Dynavector cart that folks highly recommend. Your ears will thank you.
3. Or, go for the gusto and order a DL103 and a pair of Cinemag step up xformers. Approx $270. This will get you into a LOMC and the Cinemags can be reused with other carts and phono amps so the money is well spent.
4. After you get familiar with the LOMC sound (and if you like it), send the DL103 to Phonophono for a shibata retip for $140. It will take your system to a new level, just check the archives (again I speak from experience).
5. Or sell the DL103 for almost what you paid for it and use the money for a DL103R ($250). Retip at Phonophono or Soundsmith and you'll be in clover. It will take a big chunk of change to beat this setup.
6. Upgrade your phono amp because at this point the rest of your vinyl front end can support a much better amp. Look at a Hagtech or Bottlehead kit to keep it reasonably affordable.
Wordy, ain't I? ;-) In any case, good luck with your adventure!
Cheers,
Pete
Follow Ups:
I am ahppy to have found recommendations like this. The path is inexpensive so easy to accomplish in bits on a budget. Each new addition brings satisfaction. I guess it is humble next to higher $$$ set ups,but I people are always talking about that last 2%. I feel like if there is that much better sound in front of me then the path like this cannot be anything but a long and fun road.I still have to look forward to:
a DL-103 re-tip or a DL-304
Piccolo headamp
Cinemag
Thorens refurb including another arm
Maybe Achromat for the Thorens
Clarinet2Way off in time: cheap breadboard tube amps and a single Klipsch ~ not much money to fool around with dedicated mono
Hey Pat,This evening I wired my DL103R in mono, unplugged one of my speaks and broke out my Toscanini/NBC Orchestra Beethoven symphonies. Made it through the first, second, third, fifth and most of the ninth before hunger did me in.
Keep those mono dreams alive,
It is excellent advice, however, so follow it.By the way, the FR tonearm may be worth more than you can imagine in times to come. I have watched them skyrocket in price over the last few months.
Agreed. I'll just add that I used this phono stage for several months with a DL103, and a pair of inexpensive MMs (AT and Stanton), and thought all were good. I found that the DL103 + MF sounded best with a 40 ohm load, via resistors and Y connectors. Since then the path for me has run pretty much parallel to Pete's advice above (although my arm and table are different), and I'm thoroughly enjoying the sound I'm getting.
I always wanted one, but if I buy another pricey tonearm, it will most likely be a Triplanar because the last FR I saw went for $1400. I figure that is the break point where I may as well go all out. Even the case for HR cartridge headshells goes for big bucks.I have a Technics EPA-500, but additional wands for it are quickly getting out of reach. Oh well, I still have toe-tapping sound. ;)
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