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MC cart for an SME 3009 SII Improved?

dodog

dodog

Addicted Member
Is there such a thing? HO or LO wouldn't matter. I'm aware that this low-mass arm really likes high compliance MM carts but what about MC carts? Is there such a cart? Would having the damping trough help?

Any and all suggestions welcome.
 
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Very few choices. Denon's DL 301 low output, Denon's high output DL 110, the Audio-Technica MC cartridges, and the SAE, and several Ortofon MC cartridges are known choices. Having the Damping Trough might widen your options.
 
I use a Benz Glider HOMC on one. On paper maybe not the best (? not sure, haven't done the numbers) but sonically it sounds good to my ears and tracks well.
 
dodog said:
Is there such a thing? HO or LO wouldn't matter. I'm aware that this low-mass arm really likes high compliance MM carts but what about MC carts? Is there such a cart? Would having the damping trough help?

Any and all suggestions welcome.
Click to expand...

Many reasonably-priced MC cartridges nowadays aren't low compliance; they go more to the mid and mid-high compliance side. Example: Denon DL-160.

I advise you to add a headshell weight (say, 3 or 5 grams) to increase the effective mass. Also a heavier counterweight so the CW it sits on a reasonable position, not so far from the pivot.

It should work OK.
 
KentTeffeteller said:
Very few choices. Denon's DL 301 low output, Denon's high output DL 110, the Audio-Technica MC cartridges, and the SAE, and several Ortofon MC cartridges are known choices. Having the Damping Trough might widen your options.
Click to expand...

Hmmmmm I have the SAE, I havent tried it on my low mass arm (Infinity Black Widow) as I assumed it wouldnt be appropriate. Do you know what its (SAE) compliance is? I use it on a Magnepan right now (w/o the extra weight) and its very nice....

Russellc
 
KentTeffeteller said:
If it works on the Magnepan, it is as fine on the SME. The Magnepan arms were low mass unipivots back in the day.
Click to expand...

Black widow too low mass, right? My Unitrac isnt as low mass as the Infinity, but it does include a larger weight, not the VTF "knob" but the small weight that attaches to the side, to use it with cartridges that need an arm with more mass.

russellc
 
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