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MC cart for SL-1200

RickeyM

RickeyM

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
My preamp (Yamaha CX-630) has a switch for MM or MC carts and I was wondering if a MC cart would be a good match for my TT (Technics SL-1200). The cart I'm using right now is a Audio Technica AT 120E. Any SL-1200 users out there running moving coil cartridges ? I did see the Audio Technica AT-33EV and the price is about what I'd to spend. Any thoughts on that one?

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I looked into a 103 for my 1200 but based on research it seems like the 103 likes a heavier arm. I ended up going with a Denon 301mkii instead, and it was really great.
 
RickeyM said:
My preamp (Yamaha CX-630) has a switch for MM or MC carts and I was wondering if a MC cart would be a good match for my TT (Technics SL-1200). The cart I'm using right now is a Audio Technica AT 120E. Any SL-1200 users out there running moving coil cartridges ? I did see the Audio Technica AT-33EV and the price is about what I'd to spend. Any thoughts on that one?

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There is of course no problems in using an MC pickup on the 1200. If the AT33EV is a good fit is partly what preferences we have, also what we think of value for money, how the amp will handle it and so on. Nobody can really tell anything about how You will like a certain pickup, of course.

With that said and just my personal opinion, I would look at other options if buying in that price range. E.g. I like the OC9MLII much better, and several others, but that is just me.
 
Crestwood23 said:
I looked into a 103 for my 1200 but based on research it seems like the 103 likes a heavier arm. I ended up going with a Denon 301mkii instead, and it was really great.
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The DL-103 is an excellent match for the 1200 tonearm. The 1200 has a medium mass arm, and the 103 mates well with it. I speak from my own experience with a 103 on my 1200.
 
iLUVanalog said:
agreed here. the 110 is a very light weight cartridge (4.5 grams or so), but it's low-ish compliance will work well with the 1200 arm.
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I would prefer a heavier headshell on the 1200 tonearm with the DL110.
The denon's low weight,does not help to do full justice of its low compliance imo.
 
I used a DL-103 on both a Denon DP-62L ( using the S arm) and on a Pioneer PL50 ( early 70's model ) with a higher mass arm. I now have the Denon DL-110 high output mounted on a low end of medium mass arm. Both great cartridges with a variation of the Denon "broadcast" EQ curve.

If you love a big warm midrange, recessed top-end, wide soundstage, and low sensitivity to less than perfect vinyl, the 103 is your cartridge. If you like a more neutral presentation, but with a lively mid-range and a more extended ( but smooth) top-end, then the DL-110 is a good choice, ( and it's darn cheap to purchase ). And it works with MM phono inputs.

I liked the DL-103 for classical ( large orchestra ) and horn based jazz. The DL-110 for small acoustic string ensembles ( jazz, classical, folk, etc ), piano, and rock/electronic.

Good luck with a decision! :scratch2:
 
Ortofon MCs will work very good on SL1200.
I have had Ortofon MC10 Super, Ortofon MC15MkII and I stil have Ortofon Salsa. They all sound excellent and are good match with the stock tonearm.
I've also tried Ortofon Rondo Red: beautiful but too expensive for me. Wish I could try Rondo Blue.

I have also recently listened to Audiotechnica OC9MLII. Great cartridge for SL1200. It is probably more articulate than my Salsa, but lacks the punchy bass that Salsa have which works great in my system. AT is more than excellent tracker
 
In that case switch to the Technics 9.5gr headshell, SH98 or something like that with sliding bed the headshell attached to.
 
In addition to just worrying about which cartridge will work with the SL-1200's tonearm, we also need to consider which cartridges will work best with the OP's built in MC stage, unless he is going to buy another phono preamp. The Yamaha's MC input has resistance settings of 10 ohms, 100 ohms and 1kohms. So as much as I like the DL-301 personally it will not sound right with any of those settings. It optimally needs between 300-600 ohms and preferably 400-600. I tried it at 100ohm intervals from 100 to 1K and the sound was dead until past 300ohm and in your face bright above 700ohm. The AT's however like 100 ohms and some of the others recommended may work with some of the available choices as well. Other option would be to set it at 1kohm and load it down with plugs. Just my opinion and ymmv.
 
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