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Magnetic vs Ceramic Cartridges - Can you tell the difference?

Which recording used which?

  • Recording 1: Magnetic Cart, Recording 2: Ceramic Cart

    Votes: 14 77.8%

  • Recording 1: Ceramic Cart, Recording 2: Magnetic Cart

    Votes: 4 22.2%
  • Total voters
    18
  • Poll closed .
ETI_5000 said:
On the high frequencies, there's a bit of distortion with number 2, that isn't there with number 1, so I prefer 1, and hope that's the magnetic cartridge.:)
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There is also quite a bit of breakup with the more percussive sounds and horn blasts with number two that usually means "ceramic" to me.
 
An "A"---"B" comparison would be the real test. I prefer number 2. Heavier sound. But the comments say the opposite.
Figures.
 
g..v said:
You're also using an idler drive turntable which is need of service. I noticed that before I saw the photos of the Dual 1209
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Yeah, the idler wheel needs to be rebuilt, but I have another spare Dual idler wheel lying around somewhere
 
NoTransistors said:
I had forgotten that my smart TV can go to AK. It has surround sound as well. It only played a few seconds of this, as your app is memory-hungry. I found it fascinating that the 'hidden encoded surround sound' on the record comes through.
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It is intentional, not hidden. It is a quadraphonic recording made using the EV-4 / Stereo-4 system, which is said to be almost fully compatible with the Sansui QS Regular Matrix (RM) system, and should decode well on modern surround-sound systems using Dolby Pro Logic II.

enoch-light-4-channel-stereo-pr-d-700-ds17d-front.jpg
 
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vwestlife said:
It is not hidden. It is a quadraphonic recording made using the EV-4 / Stereo-4 system, which is said to be almost fully compatible with the Sansui QS Regular Matrix (RM) system, and should decode well on modern surround-sound systems using Dolby Pro Logic II.

enoch-light-4-channel-stereo-pr-d-700-ds17d-front.jpg


R-5135947-1421700399-2394.jpeg.jpg
Click to expand...

Yeah it's a Stereo 4 record
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Are these level matched? Also sample two has a lot of distortion, but I don't know if the change in cartridge accounts for it or the recording process.
 
Cosmo-D said:
Are these level matched? Also sample two has a lot of distortion, but I don't know if the change in cartridge accounts for it or the recording process.
Click to expand...

The volume levels are the same. For some reason, the capture device doesn't have any adjustable recording level setting on the macOS settings panel, nor can be adjusted from Audacity itself. This was direct from the JVC's tape-out jacks.

I think one of the cartridges has a higher output voltage, hence the distortion.
 
NoTransistors said:
I understand why I chose #2 as the better cartridge.

Look at the crap you chose as cartridge #1. I hate the M97xE with a passion, and believe it is the worst crap that Shure could have perpetrated upon the public as a Hi-Fi cartridge.

And please call me about picking up the circuit board.
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At one point, I was also gonna use my Audio-Technica Signet TK1E in the mix.
 
Excuse me I m going to be sarcastic. If you can't hear the difference, either you have a very very poor, hifi, have unfortunately had hearing damage, or hopefully just need to have your ears and mind trained. You really need to go to an Audio-oligist and have your hearing checked. Go to live un-amplified concert and recitals and learn to enjoy real sound. You might find the experience so enjoyable that you will trash your lo-fi.

It might be cheaper in the long run.
 
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I can count on one hand the non strain gauge ceramic cartridges my records are allowed to go near. And there's a good reason why magnetic cartridges are used by audiophiles and professionally.
 
#2 is bloated on the low end and has some background fuzz-maybe the clipping mentioned. The biggest thing I noticed though is that the stereo separation in #1 is waaaaay better. Super super noticable on my headphones.

#1 sounds a bit recessed on the high end which makes sense given the cart choice.
 
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