Cartridge match for Sony PS-X50

[goldfish]

Hello all,

I just got my hands on a NOS Sony PS-X50, which I'm really excited about. The owner sold it to me for a great price because the cuing mechanism was frozen, but I coaxed it back to life with alcohol and new silicone grease.

I know the tonearm on this deck is supposed to be something special, and it generally sounds great so far. But I'm still getting inner groove distortion on the last track or two of many records (used and new). I have an AT VM95E on there as a stopgap until I can get a cartridge that's well-matched to the arm.

I understand many love MC carts (Denons especially) on this arm, but I don't have the budget or the phono stage for that at the moment. I also know that hyperelliptical styli are great for IGD, but I worry most will be too high compliance. No published specs for the PS-X50's effective mass, but I've read figures anywhere from 20 - 25g (although the heavy stock headshell is missing on mine).

Right now I'm leaning towards the Nagaoka MP-110, the compliance seems to be a good match and I've heard great things about its tracking ability. I also have a spare Shure 8X stylus lying around (.2 x .7 elliptical) that I could throw on a M91 or M95, or would consider jumping on an AT 440ML if I can find a good deal on eBay. Any opinions on these carts or any other I should consider?

Thanks very much!
Ben

 

[onwardjames]

I have the PS-X60, also has that same arm. I have found a very nice match in the AT440 MLb cart. Does everything well, and tames any IGD. It's discontinued, but they have a replacement. Also can be found on that auction site.

 

[Straker62]

Otherwise I think that Goldfish could buy the AT-VM540ML, that is similar to the 440mlb if he won't be able to find one new. Also the 540ML seems very well regarded as a IGD killer.

 

[Crab33]

The simplest solution to crack IGD would be to upgrade the stylus on the AT-VM95E to the MicroLine (VMN95ML). Otherwise, I guess the AT-VM540ML cartridge would be the next cheapest ML option. I think the latter is higher compliance than the VM95ML though.

I'm not sure about the MP-110 and tracking - I had one briefly and don't recall tracking being a particular strength. It has a fat elliptical tip (.4 x .7 mil), so is far from the hyper-ellipticals and ML discussed above.

 

[goldfish]

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful replies, I'll keep an eye out for those AT ML carts.

I may also pick up one of those cheap Shure bodies to experiment with in the meantime... sounds like I should hold off on the Nagaoka for now.

 

[HPMguy]

Don't forget Stanton and Pickering, 681 and XV-15 respectively. Readily available, and the EVG Black Diamond styli are very good. Also microline and Shibata styli available.