Need help finding a cart for my new Sony PS X800

[Galaxie65]

Hey folks, so I snagged this table from a buddy on a great deal. I want to set I up with a really nice cart but have idea where to start. Is there anything you can recommend that I should consider? I have a fairly nice setup where this rig will be placed, so I don't mind spending some coin.

I don't have any accessories that came with this table, I'm still looking for those too.

Thanks

 

[drtool]

I have a VDH circa 1982 loved it. Have had ADC $350. new in 1982 again 95% of the VDH The VDH did better on the 1812 cannon shots. Have a DL 103, first mc cart for me. I have not had the time to really put it to the test, but so far so good. That tone arm just plays well with any cart. Biotracer ftw.^ I like your secret stash.

 

[Galaxie65]

Thanks David,

I'm just stumped on what direction to go. I don't mind spending the cash for a great cart, I want it to be as good as the system.

 

[drtool]

Psst, Wayne not David.

 

[Ken Boyd]

David in the other thread seemed to be quite knowledgeable on those Sony tables, you might want to ask him what he recommends.:thmbsp:

 

[Galaxie65]

Hah, whoops! Sorry Wayne.

Thanks Ken,

I ll have to ask him about that, I'm excited to use this table in my system. Finally got what I was wanting to match up the system

 

[dlaloum]

The table was designed in the era of high compliance - being a biotracer, it can handle lower compliance cartridges.... but if you want the very best it can do, aim for a compliance of over 20cu@10Hz...

My simple rule of thumb for seeking a high compliance cartridge: its optimum tracking VTF should be under 1.5g. (usually 1.2g or lower is a sign of a true high compliance design)

Some suggestions:

A upper end woodie bodied Grado, or a prestige body upgraded with 8MZ/MCZ/TLZ stylus
Any cartridge that can take a Jico SAS stylus (most shures, but also many other MM designs)
Ortofon OM30/40
ADC ZLM/XLMIII/SuperXLM
Audio Technica AT440MLa/150MLx/150ANV
Denon DL301/304/S1
Goldenote Boboli
Soundsmith SMMC family

The low # of MC designs in the list is due to the rarity of high compliance MC's in the current market - you would need to aim for a NOS classic like the Ortofon MC2000 ... rare and hard to find!

BUT - the Sony biotracer can handle the mid compliance MC's admirably due to the biotracer magic....

 

[albowlly]

I use an AT 155LC on mine with a Shure M91E on standby.

 

[dlaloum]

Perfect for the 800! (The AT155LC)

 

[drtool]

Wish you were closer, Thinking about this, I would go with another VDH, it just left me wanting nothing more. In audio, that is a first ,and maybe the last I can make that statement. As a back up I would like to try a Grado. I have a black body and new 8MZ (C), I forget, stylus to go on it when my AR is made better then new by Marc.

 

[Ken Boyd]

I use a Grado Sonata Reference, one of those wood body, but not nearly the top of the line, and its quite nice. I was suggested a Grace F9 Ruby which would also be a good match for yours, I think.