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Converting A JVC to Ceramic?

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firebird_man

Active Member
Hi!
Perhaps someone can give me some advice. I am wanting to convert my JVC QL-A200 from magnetic to ceramic. Is there a specific cartridge for doing so? I cannot find any information on the net anywhere. Could I use something out of a BSR? Thanks for the help in advance.
 
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Seriously, why?

I don't think that you need to do anything specific... the mounting holes should be the same. Just be sure to plug it into a line-level input on your amp, no need for a phono preamp.
 
Why would you want a ceramic cartridge? They're bad for records, and have poor sound quality. I am kinda baffled here.
 
I've been around ceramic cartridges more...installed them, fine tuned them once in the arm, and used them. Every turntable that I've ever bought with a magnetic cartridge has disappointed me and they have not stayed in my possession very long at all.

I feel that magnetic cartridges are too much maintenance. The weight on the back of the tonearm has to be set just right, they require a phono preamp, and they love to go skipping across a record!

As for sound quality, I never have been able to tell a difference between magnetic and ceramic. I tend to enjoy my records much more when using a ceramic cartridge...less setup and ease of use.

I understand that I baffled you all lol. I guess I'm unique...I don't know if it's in a good way. But I've grown up around BSR turntables and have grown to like that style of player more than any. I appreciate you help!
 
Then use a BSR table. They are cheap and plentiful. That was all I had as a kid and was the reason I loved CDs so much. It wasn't until about five years ago that I discovered what a decent table can do and now I only listen to CDs in the car.
 
If you want something that's pretty much "plug and play" I'd look for some of the Technics and (other brands) P-mounts. If it needs a cartridge, there's an Audio Technica in the $20 range. These turntables are usually pretty cheap because they're kind of looked down upon by the turntable snobs, partially because they don't need any adjustments and also there are few if any expensive phono cartridges available for them. Just my 2 cents.
 
Putterman said:
If you want something that's pretty much "plug and play" I'd look for some of the Technics and (other brands) P-mounts. If it needs a cartridge, there's an Audio Technica in the $20 range. These turntables are usually pretty cheap because they're kind of looked down upon by the turntable snobs, partially because they don't need any adjustments and also there are few if any expensive phono cartridges available for them. Just my 2 cents.
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Great idea. It's cheap and would crush a BSR.
 
Weirdest post ever...

Do as others have said - get a p-mount Technics and forget about it.
 
Thanks for the help guys. I think I'm going to sell the JVC and just pull my old BSR back out. I wanted to experiment with a new table, but it's just not for me. I appreciate all of your help!
 
No, I love vinyl...always have...but I want something that is low maintenance and just plays my records to my liking. BSR's are the only machines that I've found so far that actually satisfy me. I know they get a bad reputation from others, but I like them and have nothing negative to say. I think I should just stay in the BSR world.
 
Do what makes you happy, but if you stay in the BSR world please stay out of the MFSL, DCC and/or WLP worlds. Also avoid anything that says "Wly" or "SR" in the deadwax.
 
God I hope this doesn't get me banned, and I respect your opinions firebird_man, wacky though they sound to most of us here.

First, if you ever come across a decent looking P-mount deck, give it a try, it may surprise you, and there's not much to lose.

Lastly... at least he hasn't mentioned burning down his trailer-home.
 
Well you know, Im running a Dual 650 ceramic cart on a 1010, Its not the most deadly accurate device in the world, but sound bad? No, sounds pretty good actually in its own way. I do wonder if its just taking me back to my chidhood listening on the Olympic console though..
 
You know, I've always had a respect for vintage audio. I mainly like 60's and 70's technology. I don't like something that I have to tinker with 24/7...I just like to enjoy the music...nothing else. I don't care what is the BEST sound quality or what others are using...or even what's the greatest thing on the market.

I grew up around BSR turntables, 8 track decks, and just your general audio equipment...nothing over-the-top or fancy. They always worked great and satisfied me to the fullest. I feel that some people forget that a lot of the things I've mentioned is still considered audio equipment. It may not be what you like...and that's perfectly fine. To each his own. But I feel it is very rude to be considered a "troll", "wacky", or "burning down a trailer-home."

I don't have a lot of knowledge in audio equipment...that's why I first came to AK. When I need to fix something or bring it up to my standards, I ask you guys on how to go about doing this. I know that almost everyone here has MUCH more knowledge in this field that I do and I respect you all for it. However, I DO know what I like and what I dislike. I see posts all the time of tuners, turntables, tape decks...etc. that I can't stand or that I think are complete junk...but I keep my opinion to myself unless I have something valuable to say that will better the original poster.

I don't want anyone thinking that I'm being an idiot. I'm just an ordinary audio-enthusiast that needs a little helping hand from time to time. If this is not the place for me, someone please say so and I will gladly leave.
 
jn229 said:
Why wouldn't a ceramic cartridge need a phono stage?
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They put out a line-level RIAA comp'ed signal.
Nothing wrong with a "groove-grinder" ceramic changer if the needle gets changed before it damages the records and the records get proper handling, I just outgrew them in the early '70s. Use what pleases you and don't worry about pleasing anyone else.
 
firebird_man said:
I don't like something that I have to tinker with 24/7...I just like to enjoy the music...nothing else. I don't care what is the BEST sound quality or what others are using...or even what's the greatest thing on the market.

To each his own. But I feel it is very rude to be considered a "troll", "wacky", or "burning down a trailer-home."
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I agree that you should do what makes you happy and I agree that it was unfair to assume that you are a troll. My only concern is that you will permanently damage your records. That is why I liked the p-mount table idea. No fuss, but modern record handling.
 
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