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Need cartridge recommendation for Linn Akito

codyrogers

codyrogers

New Member
Hey everyone, long time lurker here. I’m always thankful for the knowledge I read daily on this forum and try to learn from everyone here. Today, I need advice on picking out a cartridge for my recently installed Linn Akito on my Thorens TD 125 MKII.

The setup it will be going through is a McIntosh 6200 and Klipsch Cornwalls II. I currently have a Technics SL-10 with a 310MC cartridge and Empire 398 w/og tonearm and a Denon DL110 so I’d like something different from those. I think I want a MM cartridge for this. Something geared for detail and imaging. I’m trying to keep the budget around $300 but willing to spend more for a big difference.

I appreciate any advice and hope everyone has a happy new year!
 
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Some of the latest Black series MM cartridges from Ortofon are great. But they are pricey so for a little bit more I use a High Output series Moving Coil 20 X 2 Dynavector. Fine line Micro-ridge profile and tracking a 2.2 grams sounds fantastic especially if you have great non resonating tone arm.
 
you could go vintage and get a Grace F-9, if over budget then maybe an F-8.

Only issue there are no new stylus currently for the F-8, LPGear is selling new stylus for the F-9 line, I've not heard them but some here have and say they're excellent.
 
Grenadeslio said:
you could go vintage and get a Grace F-9, if over budget then maybe an F-8.

Only issue there are no new stylus currently for the F-8, LPGear is selling new stylus for the F-9 line, I've not heard them but some here have and say they're excellent.
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After reading about the Grace F-9 it seems like it would be a great fit. Another users suggestion of a VM750SH seems tempting too. Buying the vintage cartridge, is one with an original stylus more desirable?
 
Grace F8 - more than a few current auctions for NOS and replacement stylus. I see where one seller is selling the Sony ND-150G as a drop in replacement. Never tried it since I've not had trouble picking up OEM NOS versions.
 
MRL_Audio said:
Grace F8 - more than a few current auctions for NOS and replacement stylus. I see where one seller is selling the Sony ND-150G as a drop in replacement. Never tried it since I've not had trouble picking up OEM NOS versions.
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Other past threads I’ve been reading about the Grace cartridges I’ve seen you giving your advice so thank you for chiming in here. I saw an auction for a Grace F-9E. Think that would be a good match?
 
codyrogers said:
Other past threads I’ve been reading about the Grace cartridges I’ve seen you giving your advice so thank you for chiming in here. I saw an auction for a Grace F-9E. Think that would be a good match?
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yes I do, very musical cartridge, many consider Grace to be the best MM cartridges ever made, at least amoung the top anyway
 
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codyrogers said:
Thank you both for the advice! I decided to pull the trigger on the Grace F-9E and it will be in later this month. I’ll report back when I get it!
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the F-9 is based on the F-8, I've found the F-9 series work with a wider range of arms, both use the same stylus profiles but aren't interchangeable.

of my moving magnets these come the closest to the SQ of the LOMC, very extended highs without being forward or harsh, full bodied midrange without being overly lush, deep punchy bass. There shouldn't be any issues with sibilance or IGD, excellent tracking abilities at low VTF, I've found the manufacturer recommended numbers for the stylus option chosen work well with my tables.

for the F-9E they recommend 1.2g
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I’ve heard that the Grace is a nice match on a Hitachi table. Never owned a Hitachi so I have no personal experience. Definitely a solid match for the Linn. You’ll like the F9 and the various stylus varieties it offers. Send me your email via PM and I’ll send you all the info I have on them.
 
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