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Concept 2QD - Cart Recommendation

N

Njord Noatun

Super Member
Banned
Yet another "what cart" thread. :boring:

My Concept 2QD turntable (stock tonearm and headshell) currently has a Grado Black on it (unknown mileage on the stylus) and is running through the phono stage of a Concept 16.5 receiver. The 2QD tonearm is fairly light. Photos.

I am thinking that a natural upgrade path for this setup would be (in that order) 1), upgrade the cart and 2), get a phono pre-amp.

From rummaging through old 2QD threads I have found that people in the past have recommended the following carts for this TT, among others:

  • Stanton 680 II EL
  • Stanton 681 EEE
  • AT-150MLX
Before I go out to actually buy a new cart, I would like to confirm with current readers that these are indeed good carts for it, and also if you have other ideas for carts that might also be suitable.

I realize that there is a correlation between the quality of the cart and the money you put into it, and that one can put literally thousands of dollars into a cart, but I am just looking for a cart that "matches" the table sound and cost wise, and does not short-change it.

Thanks for ideas. :thmbsp:
 
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I can't imagine why anyone would be using a Stanton 680 EL II with this arm. This is a DJ cartridge tracking at 2-5g. So 1) it's inappropriate for HiFi and records one cares about and 2) it's extremely low compliance when this cartridge requires the exact opposite, a high compliance cart. Tracking force is the most reliable measure of compliance: low TF=high compliance and vice versa. And light arms mate best with high compliance carts.

The other two are fine, but not comparable in quality. The 681EEE is excellent, but not in the same league as the AT150MLX.
 
At-150mlx

I was using a AT-150MLX with my 2QD and was in 7th heaven. Just listed the TT for sale.
 
I would put a second on the stanton 681EEE nice cartridge, what about the denon DL-160 I have this on one of my TT`s and it is very nice as well.You can pick one up for about $98. Go to
www.garrett-smarthome.com I have no affiliation with this seller or this web site whatsoever.
 
I heard a rumor that there's a store in San Diego that sells Ortofon 2M Red and 2M Blue. Perhaps one of them might work well on your set.

:D

Fred
 
I love how the top of you sig says "My store is located in San Diego, Califoria" :)

Slightly off topic but, Fred do you only sell Grado and Orto carts?
 
To supplement this thread (and FWIW!), this is the opinion of the chief designer of all house brands, including Concept, for suitable and original carts for the 2QD:

"The mass of the tonearm is so low that you could contemplate almost any good cartridge. I wouldn't recommend using a vintage cartridge because the new ones are so much better.

I recall we sold these with the Shure V15II (or was it III by then?) and M97E, Stanton 681EEE (which I don't like at all), ADC 10EMkII which don't hold up very well, and a few Empires, the 999SE (if I have that right) and a more expensive one with "1000" in it. I forget the model numbers of the Audio Technica carts we sold with it. Stay away from old heavy cartridges like vintage Ortofons-they won't be a good match."​
Click to expand...
 
I'm I missing something here? Why not just replace the stylus on your Shure V15III? There are a lot of posts about the Jico styluses that are wonderful as a replacement since the NOS ones are either to hi priced, or just not an option.
 
Move right along - there is nothing to see. :D

I just opened up my Concept 2QD and took a photo, and decided to post it here - just for the record.

concept2qd.jpg​
 
Njord,

I would think the Audio-Technica AT 440 MLa or a 150MLX would be a match made in heaven here. The Stanton 681 EEE-S Mk II or III would be good or get an older Shure V15 III or IV. Also an Ortofon Concorde OM 30 would be bliss.
 
I have that turntable running . . .

a Stanton 681EEE body with a replacement stylus recommended by Kevin at KABUSA which gives me fine performance. The part number stamped on it is D-11-S. Works. It came with the 681EEE cartridge.

Peter

Njord Noatun said:
Yet another "what cart" thread. :boring:

My Concept 2QD turntable (stock tonearm and headshell) currently has a Grado Black on it (unknown mileage on the stylus) and is running through the phono stage of a Concept 16.5 receiver. The 2QD tonearm is fairly light. Photos.

I am thinking that a natural upgrade path for this setup would be (in that order) 1), upgrade the cart and 2), get a phono pre-amp.

From rummaging through old 2QD threads I have found that people in the past have recommended the following carts for this TT, among others:

  • Stanton 680 II EL
  • Stanton 681 EEE
  • AT-150MLX
Before I go out to actually buy a new cart, I would like to confirm with current readers that these are indeed good carts for it, and also if you have other ideas for carts that might also be suitable.

I realize that there is a correlation between the quality of the cart and the money you put into it, and that one can put literally thousands of dollars into a cart, but I am just looking for a cart that "matches" the table sound and cost wise, and does not short-change it.

Thanks for ideas. :thmbsp:
Click to expand...
 
PeterFCassidy said:
a Stanton 681EEE body with a replacement stylus recommended by Kevin at KABUSA which gives me fine performance. The part number stamped on it is D-11-S. Works. It came with the 681EEE cartridge.

Peter
Click to expand...

That's a 681 EEE with a Pickering D-11-S stylus. Sadly, Kevin sold his last D-11-S a few weeks ago.

Another alternative is to find a used but working 681EEE, and pick up the shibata replacement stylus from LP Gear.
 
I like it the D-11-S!

Treats all literature very well. On this rig it has a big sound, little fatter bottom (or thinner top) than the AT440MLa on the 1200. Refreshed the cartridge at a very reasonable cost. Shame. Did he scoop these up in a NOS coup?

Peter

whell said:
That's a 681 EEE with a Pickering D-11-S stylus. Sadly, Kevin sold his last D-11-S a few weeks ago.

Another alternative is to find a used but working 681EEE, and pick up the shibata replacement stylus from LP Gear.
Click to expand...
 
I don't remember which cart my 2QD had originally, but I changed to a Stanton, didn't like it. Eventually changed over to an Audio Technica Precept PC220. Excellent cartridge, but those are rather rare today. Their AT440MLa is nice; just hope you don't get one that hums.
 
Way too late to throw in a dime on this subject.. But I own this concept 2qd TT. It requires a high compliance cartridge due to it low low mass tonearm( i.e. black widow type) and this is where the vintage ADC (XLM,ZLM,VLM) carts come in. These carts will turn that table to shine and mine did.
 
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