Phono Cartridge Help

[1KW]

The more I read, the more I realize that this component is the most complicated and hardest one to pick. I want to find a decent starter cartridge for my new turntable but since I can't hear it before I buy it the decision is almost impossible to make in advance. Do I want a low capacitance or high ? Do I want a high compliance cartridge or not ? Which stylus shape, eliptical or spherical ? What type of cantilever is better, one with a radius or not, carbon fiber or metal ? High output or low output voltage for MC with the C2300 ? What exactly makes one cartridge better than another ? Which one is going to have the best synergy with my turntable, tone arm pre amp and speakers and music that I like ? Which are the most important specs. to look at ? I have read that the quality control fo the making of the stylus is often not that good so which brands have better quality control ?

[Robert_Anderson]

One of the most simple and musically satisfying cartridges for a very reasonable price is the Transfiguration Axia. It is relatively cheap and easy to install.

Cheers,

Bob

[BlueChiaro]

David, I wish I could be of some help, but you don't want advice from this novice! Might it would be worth floating out a price range to help those more in the know with giving you guidance?

[1KW]

I have looked at the shelter 501 but some people have complained that it is prone to tracking issues. I also looked into the Dynavector 20x2 and 10x5 but I am not sure about the synergy with my Gyrodec SE with the SME 309 ? The top of the line audio Technica OC9ML/III also has good reviews but again I don't know about synergy. I have also heard really good things about Benz cartridges but I would be looking more toward the bottom of the food chain with this brand ? My experience with cartridges so far is that they damage easilly I want one that is going to sound good but also work well for a few years.

[Removed]

This will shed some light on the basics.......

Cartridge / Arm Matching


You can use this to plug in the numbers to see if your in the ball park

http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge...anceCalculator


Here is more stuff you should know

http://www.theanalogdept.com/tonearm_alignment.htm

[jdandy]

[turntable]

How much $$ do you want to spend ?

I used to own the c2300 and I firmly believe that the MC stage is a lot better than the MM stage. So my vote would be for a low output MC cartridge.

Ortofon and Dynavector cartridges go well with the Gyro and SME.

[Alberto]

Originally Posted by 1KW

The more I read, the more I realize that this component is the most complicated and hardest one to pick. I want to find a decent starter cartridge for my new turntable but since I can't hear it before I buy it the decision is almost impossible to make in advance. Do I want a low capacitance or high ? Do I want a high compliance cartridge or not ? Which stylus shape, eliptical or spherical ? What type of cantilever is better, one with a radius or not, carbon fiber or metal ? High output or low output voltage for MC with the C2300 ? What exactly makes one cartridge better than another ? Which one is going to have the best synergy with my turntable, tone arm pre amp and speakers and music that I like ? Which are the most important specs. to look at ? I have read that the quality control fo the making of the stylus is often not that good so which brands have better quality control ?

David, I have limited experience in this area so others might be able to help you better. I've found happiness with Clearaudio MMs, first the $500 Aurum then the $1,000 Maestro - both with a wood shell. But you are probably thinking MC - so I leave it to others to help.

Cartridge buying, and setting up, is - arguably - the most challenging part of the audiophile adventure. Unlike electronic components, you can't easily return a cartridge unless defective and the set-up is orders of magnitude more complicated than plugging a couple of cords.

On the positive side, it is FUN because there's a lot of new stuff to learn both theoretically and practically (i.e. setting up and aligning the cartridge.)

I'll follow your thread and progress with interest and chip in when I have something helpful to say!

Alberto

[Tonepub]

Unfortunately, a cartridge is probably the toughest part of your system to purchase because you can't really get an accurate demo.

My suggestion is to start somewhere, see what you like and evaluate where to go next, as the chances of nailing it the first time (no matter how much you spend) is slim. All of the cartridges suggested here are very good choices. The C2300 has a good phono stage, so pick a spot and jump in the water.

See how much you actually like screwing around with vinyl and get used to the sound. If vinyl really becomes part of your regular listening routine, get a better/diff. cartridge when you feel like it. Once you have a reference and a starting point, you'll know which way to head next.

The phono stage in the C2300 and the Michell/SME 309 combination should be more than adequate for any cartridge you'd fancy in the $1000 - $3000 range. Much beyond that and you're really paying for resolution that your front end won't capture. But you can certainly have a ton of fun there.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by 1KW

I have looked at the shelter 501 but some people have complained that it is prone to tracking issues. I also looked into the Dynavector 20x2 and 10x5 but I am not sure about the synergy with my Gyrodec SE with the SME 309 ? The top of the line audio Technica OC9ML/III also has good reviews but again I don't know about synergy. I have also heard really good things about Benz cartridges but I would be looking more toward the bottom of the food chain with this brand ? My experience with cartridges so far is that they damage easilly I want one that is going to sound good but also work well for a few years.

David, I have a Shelter 501 MkII on my SME V and GyroDec SE MKII and I have never encountered any tracking issues, FWIW.

This combination is a sweet matchup, IMHO.