Newbie Question Technics SL-Q3 Cartridge and Stylus

[johnmarzy]

Just getting back into vinyl and pulled out my TT that has been, sort of, carefully stored for 30 years.

Looking for a consensus on what cartridge/stylus I should use on my TT, a Technics SL-Q3. Being in the auto industry it's like asking me how much is a car, right? However, I assume my playback experience will only be as good as the weakest link.

Will be playing through a similar vintage Kenwood KA-701 and JBL 110's. So generally speaking what do I need to spend to enjoy vinyl again.

PS have already ordered some reissue 180g records, so I am excited to start collecting again.

Thanks in advance
(This is my first post)
John

 

[illini]

The audio-technica at150mlx is a great option.

Also, consider investing in a record cleaning machine.

 

[tubewade]

Do you already have a cartridge on it that you used before? You may already have a good start. Do you have a variety of records spanning time or are they all new ones? Illinis recommendations above are excellent, but without knowing what your budget is it is hard to make a useful recommendation.

 

[johnmarzy]

Do you already have a cartridge on it that you used before? You may already have a good start. Do you have a variety of records spanning time or are they all new ones? Illinis recommendations above are excellent, but without knowing what your budget is it is hard to make a useful recommendation.

I just looked at what I have, a Sure M35x, a crappy $50 cartridge and looked up the audio-technica at150mlx at 479. I guess that is like having an AMC Gremlin vs a BMW. As a neophyte, I would have never considered putting such an expensive cartridge on a $200 turntable. However, with Illini suggestion and your endorsement, based on budget, I guess it not uncommon.

I have some remaining records from my collection, mostly early 70's stuff and have started to order reissues of them. Would you be able to give me a budget based on a good, better and best? I assume best would be the AT at $500. Thanks in advance for the advice

 

[johnmarzy]

PS - Is there a website you would suggest for review information on cartridges?

 

[Balifly]

Some items that you may want to consider.

A record washer that should eliminate the majority of cracks and pops noise on the records.

Spin Clean
https://www.amazon.com/SPIN-CLEAN-C...6451&sr=8-2&keywords=spin+clean+record+washer

Shure M97xE cartridge
https://www.amazon.com/Shure-M97xE-...5496703&sr=8-2&keywords=shure+m97xe+cartridge

Audio Technica AT 95 VL
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=AT+95Vl+cartridge

AudioTechnica AT 440 MLb
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Techni...485496887&sr=8-1&keywords=AT+440mLb+cartridge

Read up on them.

 

[johnmarzy]

Some items that you may want to consider.

A record washer that should eliminate the majority of cracks and pops noise on the records.

Spin Clean
https://www.amazon.com/SPIN-CLEAN-C...6451&sr=8-2&keywords=spin+clean+record+washer

Shure M97xE cartridge
https://www.amazon.com/Shure-M97xE-...5496703&sr=8-2&keywords=shure+m97xe+cartridge

Audio Technica AT 95 VL
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=AT+95Vl+cartridge

AudioTechnica AT 440 MLb
https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Techni...485496887&sr=8-1&keywords=AT+440mLb+cartridge

Read up on them.

Thanks, bought the spin clean. Will do a little homework on the cartridges. Seems like if I would pop for the AT95vl it would make sense for $40 more to get the 440. Good thing my wife wasn't looking over my shoulder when Illini suggested the AT150mix at ($500). I appreciate his input and will look forward to upgrading.

Thanks Balifly

 

[hi*ball]

Don't be too quick to dismiss the Shure M35x!

While you're shopping for another cart, also get yourself another head shell so that you can swap back and forth. The M35x will be great for your "lesser records", since it's a conical shaped stylus.

If you do a search, you will find many good things said here on AK about this humble cart.

Hope you're up and running again soon!

 

[mprince]

Agree with the above, don't dismiss the M35x as an inferior cartridge because of its price. Lots of options for that cartridge, especially if you re-bodied it with a $40 Paradox Pulse universal body, then it can take a wide range of Shure stylii, all the way up to the SAS versions.

 

[tubewade]

The M35X is actually not crappy, its just not expensive to manufacture. I have one and use it regularly. Some people prefer it to more expensive cartridges such as the M97xE. The very fine and expensive stylus profiles will focus on getting every fine detail off the record clearly, including micro scratches and fine dust particles, and require meticulous setup to be at their best. More conservative profiles, like the M35X, will be much less concerned with highlighting details and defects and often present the music in a way that seems "fuller" and coherent. Setup isn't quite as critical, and at replacement time your pocketbook will be much happier. I'd start with the less expensive options for now and then, when and if you see the need for a better stylus, purchase a really nice cartridge and set it on another headshell. Then you have a choice of what to use for the record(s) at hand.

 

[hi*ball]

I had a Shure M35x on a Technics SL-1900 (similar tone arm) and I really liked it.

I miss that turntable!

 

[johnmarzy]

Don't be too quick to dismiss the Shure M35x!

While you're shopping for another cart, also get yourself another head shell so that you can swap back and forth. The M35x will be great for your "lesser records", since it's a conical shaped stylus.

If you do a search, you will find many good things said here on AK about this humble cart.

Hope you're up and running again soon!

Are lesser records, records that have some wear? Will a cheaper stylus hurt an expensive record?

 

[johnmarzy]

Agree with the above, don't dismiss the M35x as an inferior cartridge because of its price. Lots of options for that cartridge, especially if you re-bodied it with a $40 Paradox Pulse universal body, then it can take a wide range of Shure stylii, all the way up to the SAS versions.

I didn't even realize that you could re-body a cartridge. I need to google re bodied

 

[Bob in WI]

I had a Shure M91ED on my SL Q3 & quite enjoyed it.
I ended up getting a SAS stylus for it but the price of those has skyrocketed.
But that was a process of evolution - I agree that you should listen to/ work with what you have now before spending on upgrades.

 

[tubewade]

Are lesser records, records that have some wear? Will a cheaper stylus hurt an expensive record?

Lesser records are those in less than perfect condition and also older records that don't have very high recorded velocity so they don't require anything extravagant to play really well. A damaged stylus can hurt a record but a good quality but less expensive one wont if it is set up properly and at the proper tracking force. Many of us have used the M35X and many other conical/spherical needles for a long time with no record wear or damage issues.