Hi guys. How do I make an educated choice of cartridges for my particular turntable and tonearm? I have a Systemdek IIX with Linn Basik tonearm. I'm currently using a Stanton 500 Gold cart. I see a lot of comments saying "I like my..." But there has to be specifics for choosing a good match. Any advice would be appreciated. Musical taste varies from punk, blues, soul, r & b, garage, surf, swing and even Exotica.
Choosing a well matched cartridge for my tonearm
- Thread starter Norton66
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beatcomber
AK Member
Your taste is impeccable!
I suspect that you collect old 45s, and that Stanton is a great cart for that.
For your "good" records, I would suspect that any quality cartridge with a low compliance cantilever will work. What's yer budget?
I could comfortably spend around $300 USD
beatcomber
AK Member
Describe the characteristics that are most important to you. Lots of options in that price range.
"Characteristics"? Hmmm.... I'm not even sure what to consider. I guess that's why I'm here, asking for advice. I bought the Systemdek about 3 years ago and have been using the Stanton cart that was on it. I'm finally getting around to upgrading. From what I understand, that tt is worthy of a better cart. But I don't know what I need to consider before buying. By the way, I use a Technics SL -1700 MK2 for my old 45's. The Systemdek is my main set-up for more "critical" listening. As far as important characteristics, well... I don't know. But if I'm going to spend the money, I don't want to be disappointed. I'm running DCM Timeframe speakers which I really like. But they lack a little on the bottom end. If a particular cartridge would help with that, I'd have a starting point. But also want clear, detailed highs. I'm here to learn and would appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance. Have a good night.
jgordon
Super Member
Lots of advice on the mechanics of matching a cart to an arm in this thread:
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index....r-my-jelco-750-l-and-cartridge-choice.684344/
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index....r-my-jelco-750-l-and-cartridge-choice.684344/
Balifly
Listening
You may be interest in the Nagaoka MP-200.
Should be a good match for the "Systemdek IIX with Linn Basik" - Plus (?) tone arm.
- Cantilever: High-strength Boron
- Stylus type: Superfine elliptical diamond
- Weight: 6.5 g
- Dynamic compliance: 7.2 x 10-6 cm/dyne
- Static compliance: 20 x 10-6 cm/dyne
- Tracking force range: 1.5 - 2.0 g
http://www.lpgear.com/product/NAGAOKAMP200.html
Should be a good match for the "Systemdek IIX with Linn Basik" - Plus (?) tone arm.
- Cantilever: High-strength Boron
- Stylus type: Superfine elliptical diamond
- Weight: 6.5 g
- Dynamic compliance: 7.2 x 10-6 cm/dyne
- Static compliance: 20 x 10-6 cm/dyne
- Tracking force range: 1.5 - 2.0 g
http://www.lpgear.com/product/NAGAOKAMP200.html