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Micro Seiki MA-101 MK2 tonearm and compatible cartridges

T

TonZZ

New Member
Hello everyone,

I’d like to ask for some advice regarding experiences with the and .

My setup is a Micro Seiki BL-51 turntable fitted with the MA-101 MK2 tonearm. At the moment, I’m using a Shure M75MG Type 2 cartridge with a brand-new Swiss-made nude elliptical stylus from Thakker. According to the Ortofon test record, it tracks cleanly up to 50-60 μm, with only slight distortion appearing at 70 μm. Overall, the cartridge performs well and I enjoy its sound.

Recently, I’ve tried the Grado Red 2 Prestige and Ortofon OM-10, but both tests were disappointing. Neither cartridge could track 50 μm without distortion, regardless of adjustments to VTF, anti-skating, or tonearm height. I’ve heard that Grado cartridges are known for their poor tracking ability, but I didn’t expect the OM-10 to struggle. My guess is that the OM-10’s low mass makes it a poor match for the MA-101 MK2 tonearm.

My question is: has anyone had a similar experience with the MA-101 MK2? What MM or MC cartridges would you recommend for this tonearm?

Thanks in advance for your answers!
 
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Honest question: What is your motivation to change if you're enjoying the Shure (that also does well)?
 
Apreggiator said:
Honest question: What is your motivation to change if you're enjoying the Shure (that also does well)?
Click to expand...
Hello! I’d like to have just one extra cartridge and thinking about MC. Considering the cost of MC and the uncertainty about its tracking ability, I’d like to minimize any possible frustration in the future :)
 
TonZZ said:
Hello! I’d like to have just one extra cartridge and thinking about MC. Considering the cost of MC and the uncertainty about its tracking ability, I’d like to minimize any possible frustration in the future :)
Click to expand...
Do you own a Step-Up transformer, or a LOMC pre-preamplifier aka Head Amp? Can you afford re-tipping when your stylus wears out?. You may be able to use the OM-10 you have with a heavier headshell if your Counterweight can balance it. (I did that for a while on my Technics SL-1200 Mk II, used an 11 gram Audio-Technica magnesium headshell). Things for you to ponder. And I won't dissuade you from a LOMC, if that turns you on.
 
TonZZ said:
Hello! I’d like to have just one extra cartridge and thinking about MC. Considering the cost of MC and the uncertainty about its tracking ability, I’d like to minimize any possible frustration in the future :)
Click to expand...
Gotcha.

Kind of surprised that the OM-10 didn't work out.

Some carts I'm thinking about:
MM: Ortofon 2M Black, AT-VM745xML
HOMC: Dynavector 10X5 MkII
MC: Audio Technica AT-OC9XEB, Denon DL103 (might require mass to be added..)

I really like the AT-VM745xML plus it doesn't break the bank.
 
KentTeffeteller said:
Do you own a Step-Up transformer, or a LOMC pre-preamplifier aka Head Amp? Can you afford re-tipping when your stylus wears out?. You may be able to use the OM-10 you have with a heavier headshell if your Counterweight can balance it. (I did that for a while on my Technics SL-1200 Mk II, used an 11 gram Audio-Technica magnesium headshell). Things for you to ponder. And I won't dissuade you from a LOMC, if that turns you on.
Click to expand...
Hello! I have an iFi Zen Phono 2. I think it should be fine for most MC cartridges, except perhaps for ultra low-output ones (below 0.1 mV).

Regarding the OM-10, I’ve tried several headshells weighing around 8 grams and even added 4 grams of extra mass, but nothing worked well. The OM-10 has a dynamic compliance of 25, while the tonearm is designed for cartridges with compliance in the 15–25 range. Maybe that could be the reason and not the cartridge weight.
 
Apreggiator said:
Gotcha.

Kind of surprised that the OM-10 didn't work out.

Some carts I'm thinking about:
MM: Ortofon 2M Black, AT-VM745xML
HOMC: Dynavector 10X5 MkII
MC: Audio Technica AT-OC9XEB, Denon DL103 (might require mass to be added..)

I really like the AT-VM745xML plus it doesn't break the bank.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the list! Are the options you suggested based on your experience with the MA-101?
 
TonZZ said:
Thank you for the list! Are the options you suggested based on your experience with the MA-101?
Click to expand...
Yes! However, designing my 'own' tonearm (inspired by the Supatrac) has provided me with more insight about their specifications.
 
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