Micro Seiki DD-40 cartridge recommendation wanted

[Descartridge]

I had some incredible good fortune and picked up an beautiful Micro Seiki DD-40 along with 3 cartridges.

I have tried 2 out of the 3 cartridges along with my #1.
These are my impressions so far:
1. Micro Acoustics 2002 (previous owner's #1)- underwhelming
2. Audio Techica AT15S- very impressive
3. Grace F9E- clear, a tad too bright

Are there any cartridges particularly recommended for this stunning table?

 

[Flammaster]

I just have to stop a second here! *drool*

Man that is a beautiful deck you got there! I could really see that with a Denon 160 on it or maybe a AT 150 even. I could also se a Stanton 681 with a shibata on there as well.

 

[Tripod]

That Grace should be top o' the pops. Nice deck.

tripod

 

[MyComa13]

I'd be interested in recommendations, too. I have the same MA-505 arm that's in bad need of nice cart.

BTW, that DD-40 is really a beautiful table.

 

[AudioSoul]

Any cart. in the sub $1,000.00 level would work well in that TT. Nice purchase. I bet it sounds good and beautiful to look at too!.......:thmbsp:

 

[malanga]

I have one of those too. I have grown to absolutely love it. I have tried several cartridges and the I found the Shure M95 ED has worked best for me. Go figure. :yes:

 

[majick47]

Re the Grace F9E I'm wondering if the MA-505 tonearm is the best match for it, my F9E works best on a light weight tonearm, ie Grace 707. Check the owners manual for specs/weight on the tonearm/cartridge, might work better with a MC cartridge like the DL-160.

 

[HypnoToad]

A nice Benz Micro Silver or Gold would be the ticket.

 

[mmr24]

I have a DD-40 on the way(say a prayer for it). Is the MA505 considered a low or medium mass arm? Some specs give the effective mass at 7.0 grams, but I am assuming this does not include the headshell which I think is 9-11g. When it gets here I'll swap the Shure V15V off the Sansui SR636 so I can compare the two tables. Just trying to figure out what the next cart should be-maybe an Ortofon 2M Blue, Grado Red, or moving coil.

 

[MX117.MC7150]

7.0 grams seems a bit on the low side. You could contact Alfred Kayser at http://www.smetonearms.com/ and get the details. He is about the most knowledgeable Micro Seiki person I've run into and has many of their best turntables and arms and spare parts. I just bought an SME 3009 armboard from him for my DDX-1000. I've posted a couple of pic's of his custom DDX-1000 in the turntable picture thread that might interest you. http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?p=4532375#post4532375. Scroll down a few posts to some more Micro Seiki 'audio-porn'.
Perhaps we should start a "Micro Seiki Roll-call" thread to keep track of who has what and help each other out with info and other resources. Alfred is great place to start.