Pioneer PN-3MC Cartridge on a Technics SL-10

[Caseykeane]

I got my hands on an SL-10 but unfortunately, it came without its original 310MC cartridge. Is the PC-3MC a good/compatible replacement cartridge?

 

[beej]

The PC-3MC cart (PN-3MC is the stylus) is specifically tailored for the ultra-low mass arms of the Pioneer PL-X series (PL-2 thru PL-9) turntables. Just for s&g, I've tried mounting one on a standard headshell on a Tech 1200 mk2 'table and the cart is simply too low mass (3.1g) to get the tonearm to balance. You could of course add weight to the headshell to get the arm to balance and then use a gauge to set the VTF to 2g (recommended) but I'm not at all certain you'd be happy with the results. IMO too much of a jury rig. Your 'table, your choice, of course.

 

[AdamAnt316]

The Pioneer PC-3MC appears to be a 1/2-mount cartridge, while the Technics SL-10 has a P-mount arm, so there's no way to get it to fit, unfortunately. If you want a moving coil cartridge to fit the SL-10, you'll have to look for an Ortofon X1-MCP (which was produced until fairly recently) or something vintage like a Sumiko Blue Point, which I have an example of (needs a re-tip) Please note that most of those are high output, so you won't be able to use the SL-10's built-in pre-pre as you would've with the EPC-310MC.
-Adam

 

[beej]

The Pioneer PC-3MC appears to be a 1/2-mount cartridge, while the Technics SL-10 has a P-mount arm, so there's no way to get it to fit, unfortunately. If you want a moving coil cartridge to fit the SL-10, you'll have to look for an Ortofon X1-MCP (which was produced until fairly recently) or something vintage like a Sumiko Blue Point, which I have an example of (needs a re-tip) Please note that most of those are high output, so you won't be able to use the SL-10's built-in pre-pre as you would've with the EPC-310MC.
-Adam

Good catch, Adam. I missed that.

 

[Caseykeane]

The Pioneer PC-3MC appears to be a 1/2-mount cartridge, while the Technics SL-10 has a P-mount arm, so there's no way to get it to fit, unfortunately. If you want a moving coil cartridge to fit the SL-10, you'll have to look for an Ortofon X1-MCP (which was produced until fairly recently) or something vintage like a Sumiko Blue Point, which I have an example of (needs a re-tip) Please note that most of those are high output, so you won't be able to use the SL-10's built-in pre-pre as you would've with the EPC-310MC.
-Adam

Thanks guys! Your info has been really helpful.

Clearly I’m a newbie at this. Can you explain what you meant by these cartridges being high output? And why that seems to be a negative thing?

 

[AdamAnt316]

Clearly I’m a newbie at this. Can you explain what you meant by these cartridges being high output? And why that seems to be a negative thing?

There are two types of moving coil (MC) cartridges: high output, meaning that their signal is roughly in-line with that of standard moving magnet (MM) cartridges, and low output, whose signal is at a much lower level. High output cartridges, as you might expect, don't require any additional preamplification vs. a standard MM cart, while low output types do. The Technics EPC-310MC cartridge included with the SL-10 was a low output type, and that's what the MM/MC button in the back is meant for. Trying to use a high output moving coil cartridge in the SL-10 with the MM/MC button pushed in would result in badly distorted sound. Leaving it pushed out in the MM position would work fine.
-Adam

 

[Caseykeane]

There are two types of moving coil (MC) cartridges: high output, meaning that their signal is roughly in-line with that of standard moving magnet (MM) cartridges, and low output, whose signal is at a much lower level. High output cartridges, as you might expect, don't require any additional preamplification vs. a standard MM cart, while low output types do. The Technics EPC-310MC cartridge included with the SL-10 was a low output type, and that's what the MM/MC button in the back is meant for. Trying to use a high output moving coil cartridge in the SL-10 with the MM/MC button pushed in would result in badly distorted sound. Leaving it pushed out in the MM position would work fine.
-Adam

Thanks for clearing that up! Would you happen to have other alternatives to the Ortofon X1-MCP? Something less expensive maybe.

 

[AdamAnt316]

Thanks for clearing that up! Would you happen to have other alternatives to the Ortofon X1-MCP? Something less expensive maybe.

Not sure you're going to find too many other alternatives which were made in recent years, unfortunately. Moving coil cartridges have always been a niche market, and P-mount ones even moreso. Companies like Sumiko (original Blue Point) and Dynavector (DV-10P) also made them, but they have not been available for many years. My own SL-10 was equipped with an Audio-Technica LS-580/LT (moving magnet) cartridge when I got it.

 

[MRL_Audio]

Nothing wrong with a nice MM T4P on these tables.

 

[geedaddy45]

The Pioneer PC-3MC appears to be a 1/2-mount cartridge, while the Technics SL-10 has a P-mount arm, so there's no way to get it to fit, unfortunately. If you want a moving coil cartridge to fit the SL-10, you'll have to look for an Ortofon X1-MCP (which was produced until fairly recently) or something vintage like a Sumiko Blue Point, which I have an example of (needs a re-tip) Please note that most of those are high output, so you won't be able to use the SL-10's built-in pre-pre as you would've with the EPC-310MC.
-Adam

Hello Adam. I'm getting reacquainted to the turntable world after about 30 years. I have 2 PC-3MC's that I would like to try and re-tip (I learned that from your post). Do you or have you had this service performed in the past on your equipment? Is it worth the "hassle"? And, who does this, how effective is it?

Gilbert

 

[beej]

Hello Adam. I'm getting reacquainted to the turntable world after about 30 years. I have 2 PC-3MC's that I would like to try and re-tip (I learned that from your post). Do you or have you had this service performed in the past on your equipment? Is it worth the "hassle"? And, who does this, how effective is it?

Gilbert

PM sent re: your question.