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192.28.2.17
compare? so is this budget AT really good or just for the price?I am looking for a cart in the $200 range, preferrably ~3mV, happy with a 47k load. The dynavector seems overpriced new. I would even consider the 20XH used for ~300. this would be on a rega planar3, stock, currently using a linn basik cart/AT95 stylus.
Follow Ups:
that seems like the way to go from some comments in the VA. I keep swapping mine out for my Sonata, Super OM30 and 440mla that it'll NEVER wear down! It's going back on soon.
nt
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There's no stoppin' the cretins from hoppin'
The 10x5 is on my MMF-5 and the 440MLa is on my MMF 2.1. I have had the 2 tables hooked up in the same system with the same LP running at the same time to get a direct compairison. Yep, that's really comparing 2 different arms/carts/tables, but these 2 tables are pretty close in quality to make a fair judgement cart vs. cart.By ***compairison*** the 10x5 is the winner for sure. It's better balanced tonally from top to bottom, less etched, less sibilant, has better (fuller/detailed) bass, and is about 15% "less bright" in the 3-8kHz range overall then the 10x5. The extreme top end on the 440MLa is "whiteish" and the treble slightly metallic sounding **by compairison**. Both carts offer excellent midrange response however, with the 10x5 being slightly warmer.
Now, if I didn't own the 10x5 I would probably not think anything was amiss with the 440MLa. It's only when you compare it to something "better" that you pick up on these detailed differences.
Either cart is a winner in its class, it all comes down to how much you want to spend!! Also, check out the Ortofon 540mk2 which I also own and I believe Thakker has them on Ebay for about $230. That's a nice compromise between the 2 carts you mention.
And for the person touting $300 prices for the 10x5 I must ask where that is because I certainly couldn't find that deal!!
You might see it differenctly or learn a wild new way of looking at things...
Your 2 tables are vastly difft. the 5 is much better IMO.swap 'em and then report back... Or, test them both out on the 5.
Do a VA search for Mr. Juki. He does mail order for a handful of cartridge brands. I'm not associated with him but am a happy customer.
Theo
Check out the new Ortofon 2M Blue ($199) at needledoctor.com.
Ortofon says it is a completely new design that took two years to develop. I bought one but have not been able to listen to it yet.
The AT440MLa won't let you down, but it is priced at less than $100. I have the 10X5 and like it a lot. I think it's worth $380 judging by the other cartridges in its price range. It has a sound all its own and can sing.
I would steer clear of used, but that's just me.
There's also Juki too.
I have the v15vxmr and was wondering about a possible replacement when it wears out. I was wondering how they compared?
the DV 20XH. Though I like the sound of the Shure, i think it is no match for the 20XH, which has a much more transparent, airy sound with greater clarity. To be sure, the 20xH and the 10X5 are different, and the 20XH is a better cartridge of the two, but they are not worlds apart. I suspect I would clearly prefer the 10X5 to the Shure based on what I've heard about comparisons of the two DV cartridges, so I think you should give it serious consideration.
If you shop around, you can get a new 10x5 for under $300, and a 20XH for not a lot more than $300. You're right; it's still 3x the price of a 440MLa.
Theo
nt
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