Grado g2 stylus Gold or 8MZ - Thorens TD 147-Marantz 2250B

RichGrim

RichGrim

New Member
Hi there. I'm in the process of resurrecting my Thorens TD-147 that I got years ago used in a trade. The table currently has a Grado G cart and while the stylus is in fair condition I would like to replace it with a new one. Should I go with a Grado Gold or 8MZ. I am plugging into a Marantz 2250B.

My other question is loading (something I am unfamiliar with in TT jargon). Is there any modifications I should/need to do to match this cartridge combo with my Marantz.

I have good tech skills (soldering,troubleshooting etc) from years of building guitar amplifiers but have never dipped my toes into the hi-fi world.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

Rich G
 
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Thanks so much for the advice beatcomber. So ill try 47K plugs correct? Is 1/4watt metal film a good choice?
 
RichGrim said:
Thanks so much for the advice beatcomber. So ill try 47K plugs correct? Is 1/4watt metal film a good choice?
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Excellent choice for resistors. The G2 stylus was also of a much higher compliance than the current issue styli. If you'd like the stylus inspected, PM me for details. The G2 ran a very nice stone on it. The voice-ing of the G2 stylus will be different than that of either the Gold or 8MZ.
 
That's interesting marcmorin. My setup is sounding rather tinny. I find myself switching on the "loudness" button often. I have no idea if its the original stylus. It has 2 gold dots.
 
RichGrim said:
That's interesting marcmorin. My setup is sounding rather tinny. I find myself switching on the "loudness" button often. I have no idea if its the original stylus. It has 2 gold dots.
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The original G1 stylus would have had yellow dots, the G2 would be gold dots. Tinny sounding.....might be due to the initial loading you have now. Original loading suggestion from Grado on that cart was 10K or above. My bodies from that era, I run 22-24K range. That cart was very flat freq response. It might sound a little "shy" in the mid-bass. the 8MZ stylus is a touch "fat" in the mid-bass
 
Thanks! Maybe I will try lowering the loading with the original stylus in place and see how that goes. Can assume that my Marantz input impedance is ~47k?
 
BTW, Rich, Marc's advice regarding Grados should be regarded as gospel. He probably knows more about Grado cartridges than John Grado does!
 
beatcomber said:
Interesting observation... My G2/8MZ is leaner than my 8MR/MCZ, both with the loading optimized.
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wanna try an original stylus in that G2 body to see the difference in voicing between the 8MZ and G2? Kinda "unfair" difference in G2 body vs MR body.
Not many carts are absolute tone beasts like the MR is
 
Pulled the trigger on a 8MZ stylus. Check out on Needledoctor.com say 8MZ V stylus. Is this different than the standard 8MZ? I recently started hearing some negative changes with my original G2 (distorted vocals + tracking issues) I have an Grado Black for backup. Parts are ready for loading plugs. Thanks again.
 
RichGrim said:
Pulled the trigger on a 8MZ stylus. Check out on Needledoctor.com say 8MZ V stylus. Is this different than the standard 8MZ? I recently started hearing some negative changes with my original G2 (distorted vocals + tracking issues) I have an Grado Black for backup. Parts are ready for loading plugs. Thanks again.
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Excellent! I'm using an 8MZ stylus in my G2 body as well. A stone classic.

I'm pretty sure the 8MZ and 8MZ V are the same thing.
 
RichGrim said:
Pulled the trigger on a 8MZ stylus. Check out on Needledoctor.com say 8MZ V stylus. Is this different than the standard 8MZ? I recently started hearing some negative changes with my original G2 (distorted vocals + tracking issues) I have an Grado Black for backup. Parts are ready for loading plugs. Thanks again.
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the 8MZ-v stylus is no longer produced. I don't know why ND lists it as such.
What was the difference between the 8MZ and the (-v)?...dunno, I owned both styli at one time.....sounded exatly the same to me. The stylus you'll get wil have 8MZ etched into the grip, and not 8MZ-v.
 
Now listening to my new 8mz in my NOS PZTE+1 on my NOS Technics SL-QD33. Everything they said is true.

Aragon 47K (phono preamp) -> Sony STR-6055 -> KEF 104.2s

So far I've listened to:
June Christy - Gone For The Day
Traffic - Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys
Vonda Shepard - self titled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DcLalOwOoE
 
bluemooze said:
Now listening to my new 8mz in my NOS PZTE+1 on my NOS Technics SL-QD33. Everything they said is true.

Aragon 47K (phono preamp) -> Sony STR-6055 -> KEF 104.2s

So far I've listened to:
June Christy - Gone For The Day
Traffic - Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys
Vonda Shepard - self titled

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DcLalOwOoE
Click to expand...

Have also listened to:
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You Experienced
Laura Nyro - New York Tendaberry

Wide soundstage extends beyond the speakers.
 
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