AR XA with Audio-Technica AT150MLX

[xmas111]

There's a very good thread going here about the Audio-Technica AT150MLX

Sounds like it's a great cartridge for the price.

I'm thinking about getting one for my AR XA.

Currently I'm using the AT440MLA and think it's a fantastic cartridge.

Has anyone tried the AT150MLX with their XA?

Appreciate your opinions.

Thanks,
John

 

[xmas111]

I'm surprised no one has tried the AR XA/AT150MLX combination.

Maybe I'll hold off and save the money for my retirement.

John

 

[Brett a]

I'm surprised no one has tried the AR XA/AT150MLX combination.

I suspect it's not a common combination b/c the stock arm on the AR is really too heavy for such a high compliance cartridge. The 150MLx needs to be mounted on a medium to light mass arm.

 

[xmas111]

I thought that might be an issue.

Guess I'll stick with the 440mla.

I also use the m97xe with the jico SAS stylus which sounds excellent too.

Thanks,
John

 

[jgordon]

I'd disagree. I used a 150MLX on a Linn Ittok with an LP12, and I thought it was a fantastic combination. I was told (after the fact, when I bothered to research it) that the Ittok was too heavy for the 150. Could its performance have improved with a lighter arm? Perhaps. But I was very happy with it as was.

Obviously the Linn bears more than a passing resemblance to the XA. While I'm not sure of the mass of the XA arm, my overall thought would be to not write something off because of a mismatch on paper. Try it and see for yourself.

 

[marcmorin]

I suspect it's not a common combination b/c the stock arm on the AR is really too heavy for such a high compliance cartridge. The 150MLx needs to be mounted on a medium to light mass arm.

The Stock AR XA/XB arm clocks in at 9.5 gr EM

 

[Brett a]

The Stock AR XA/XB arm clocks in at 9.5 gr EM

Well, if that's true, then my assumptions that it was a heavy(ish) arm were wrong. Sorry about that. Please continue.

EDIT TO ADD:

Wait. 2 1/2 grams lighter than a Rega RB250? I find that hard to believe. Maybe if you didn't count the headshell. But that would be a mistake as the headshell is a vital part part of the mass that the cantilever has to deal with.

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Yes, it is a lower mass arm than a RB 250. With the headshell too. Many an AR XA had Shure V 15 Type III and IV cartridges mounted on one too without issues. And ADC XLM even.

 

[Brett a]

Yes, it is a lower mass arm than a RB 250. With the headshell too. Many an AR XA had Shure V 15 Type III and IV cartridges mounted on one too without issues. And ADC XLM even.

Well, goes to show you can't tell a book by its cover. I shall respectfully bow out (if it's not too late for the respectfully part).

Oh, but to actually address the OPs question somewhat. I did go from an AT440MLa to the 150MLx and found it a very welcome improvement. Everything the 440 did well ,the 150 did better in an overall more refined and smoother manor.

 

[rcspkramp]

Yes, it is a lower mass arm than a RB 250. With the headshell too. Many an AR XA had Shure V 15 Type III and IV cartridges mounted on one too without issues. And ADC XLM even.

Got an XLM MK II on mine. No probs.