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Cartridge for SL-23

P

perge

New Member
HI, this is my first post here.
I was given an SL-23 TT which I have finished refurbishing except for the Shure RTX-4 with a broken stylus. I would like to upgrade the cartridge to a more modern one but I dont know what type to get. I've seen seen recommendations that it should be fitted with a high tracking force cartridge. Should I limit my search to 3g+ cartridges (if there are any now) or can I consider 2g and under?
The 4 pin headshell has a single screw hole for mounting the cartridge and there's a threaded plastic block to adapt to the two screws on the Shure (0.5" separation"). Would I need a new headshell to accomodate a newer cartridge or just a new adapter? Would an AT headshell fit and connect to my tonearm? I'm prepared to spend up to $120 and would like to buy one good cartridge and be done. I am at that age where my hearing is not what it used to be but distortion still bothers me.
Thanks,
perge
 
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perge said:
I've seen seen recommendations that it should be fitted with a high tracking force cartridge.
Click to expand...
That's not true at all. I've used my SL-23 at least 100 times in the last year or two with cartridges tracking between 1.25 - 2.00 grams & have never encountered any issues. As far as a cartridge recommendation, stretch your budget a bit and buy an Audio Technics AT-VM95ML ($166 on Amazon). They sound quite good & are easy on records. You will have to buy a new slotted headshell (as little as $13) though since the AT-VM95 line of cartridges have threaded inserts & you wouldn't be able to get a firm mount going from the threaded inserts to the threaded block on that style Technics headshell.
 
Shure RXT-4 you mean I assume?
I'd consider a Jico SAS element for your RXT cartridge, as mentioned in this thread about it ;)

Realistic/Shure RXT-4 Info/Stylus Replacement

Hey, guys! Although I've browsed AK many times before, I've yet to make a post until now! I just got a Technics SL-1900, which looks great and all the functions I can test without a functional cartridge work wonderfully! The only issue with it is the needle, which might as well be non-existent...
audiokarma.org
 
ronaldw441 said:
That's not true at all. I've used my SL-23 at least 100 times in the last year or two with cartridges tracking between 1.25 - 2.00 grams & have never encountered any issues. As far as a cartridge recommendation, stretch your budget a bit and buy an Audio Technics AT-VM95ML ($166 on Amazon). They sound quite good & are easy on records. You will have to buy a new slotted headshell (as little as $13) though since the AT-VM95 line of cartridges have threaded inserts & you wouldn't be able to get a firm mount going from the threaded inserts to the threaded block on that style Technics headshell.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply. Are all these headshells interchangeable with the tonearms? Standardization, what a concept. So I could get an AT HS6BK ($29) and that would work with this TT? The AT-VM95ML with a headshell is $200. A bit pricey for me but I could jump down a level or two with the same setup.
 
perge said:
I've seen seen recommendations that it should be fitted with a high tracking force cartridge. Should I limit my search to 3g+ cartridges (if there are any now) or can I consider 2g and under?
Click to expand...
I would look for something that tracks around 1-1/2 to 2 grams (+-)
perge said:
The 4 pin headshell has a single screw hole for mounting the cartridge and there's a threaded plastic block to adapt to the two screws on the Shure (0.5" separation").
Click to expand...
The threaded plastic block is part of the headshell, the single screw holding it allows the block with cartridge mounted, to be adjusted for proper overhang. Any 1/2" cartridge should work.
perge said:
Would I need a new headshell to accomodate a newer cartridge or just a new adapter?
Click to expand...
no, the stock 2-piece headshell is all you need
perge said:
Would an AT headshell fit and connect to my tonearm?
Click to expand...
I think so but you can use the one you have
perge said:
I'm prepared to spend up to $120 and would like to buy one good cartridge and be done.
Click to expand...

www.turntablelab.com

Jico: J44D / Improved / Nude / Cartridge (J-AAC0620, M44G Clone)

Buy Jico: J44D Improved Nude Cartridge (M44G Clone Cartridge) at TurntableLab.com, a Better Music Store Experience since 1999.
www.turntablelab.com www.turntablelab.com
 
Apreggiator said:
Shure RXT-4 you mean I assume?
I'd consider a Jico SAS element for your RXT cartridge, as mentioned in this thread about it ;)

Realistic/Shure RXT-4 Info/Stylus Replacement

Hey, guys! Although I've browsed AK many times before, I've yet to make a post until now! I just got a Technics SL-1900, which looks great and all the functions I can test without a functional cartridge work wonderfully! The only issue with it is the needle, which might as well be non-existent...
audiokarma.org
Click to expand...
Yes, my bad. Thanks for that link. I will consider using the old cartridge. The stylus was sheared off so I don't know what condition the cartridge is in. I'm a little concerned about getting a new stylus just to find out the cartridge is bad.
perge
 
perge said:
Yes, my bad. Thanks for that link. I will consider using the old cartridge. The stylus was sheared off so I don't know what condition the cartridge is in. I'm a little concerned about getting a new stylus just to find out the cartridge is bad.
perge
Click to expand...
Ah I see. If the body looks in good condition I wouldn't worry. If the body looks damaged; Time to look at another option.. Or get a cheap replacement cartridge to find out as 1st step. . Just a thought!
 
malden said:
I would look for something that tracks around 1-1/2 to 2 grams (+-)

The threaded plastic block is part of the headshell, the single screw holding it allows the block with cartridge mounted, to be adjusted for proper overhang. Any 1/2" cartridge should work.

no, the stock 2-piece headshell is all you need

I think so but you can use the one you have


www.turntablelab.com

Jico: J44D / Improved / Nude / Cartridge (J-AAC0620, M44G Clone)

Buy Jico: J44D Improved Nude Cartridge (M44G Clone Cartridge) at TurntableLab.com, a Better Music Store Experience since 1999.
www.turntablelab.com www.turntablelab.com
Click to expand...
All great feedback. Thanks!
 
Apreggiator said:
Ah I see. If the body looks in good condition I wouldn't worry. If the body looks damaged; Time to look at another option.. Or get a cheap replacement cartridge to find out as 1st step. . Just a thought!
Click to expand...
I don't have any specs on the RXT-4. What tracking force would I set?
 
malden said:
The threaded plastic block is part of the headshell, the single screw holding it allows the block with cartridge mounted, to be adjusted for proper overhang. Any 1/2" cartridge should work.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure you can go from one threaded body to another & get a secure mount. May work & may not....
 
perge said:
I don't have any specs on the RXT-4. What tracking force would I set?
Click to expand...
If you are thinking about getting a stylus for the Shure RXT-4 you should know that original styli are extremely hard to come by and after-market styli are a crap-shoot in terms of quality, especially for that particular cartridge with the damping brush.

Another problem with the RXT-4 is the plastic housing, it is very brittle and if the mounting screws are torqued too much, the housing can crack

I suggest you look for a new, current production cartridge so that when you need another stylus (they don't last forever) you can find one easily.
 
Most of the time with MM cartridges, it is the stylus that costs so much, not the cartridge body itself. Sometimes you can even find a cartridge/stylus combo cheaper than the very same stylus, alone.
 
Well, there's a lot of ways to go wrong, it seems. The refurbish was easy compared to replacing the cartridge. All good information. I'll check back in after I get that sorted.
Thanks all.
 
I bought an Ortofon Red and a new headshell from Amazon for this turntable. My test record is Shadowfax's Too Far to Whisper on Windham Hill. It sounds great!!
Windham Hill made some of the lowest noise LPs ever making the dynamic range phenomenal. Too bad it was right when CDs buried the LP market.
Thanks all for your opinions and help. I am now on to fixing a Yamaha P200 which has no documentation anywhere that I can find. There is for the P220 which looks identical.
The cueing damper needs some silicone oil but it looks difficult to disassemble from the bottom. I think iI could just replace the cartridge and call it a day.
 
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