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Recommended cartridges for Yamaha GT-2000

Candy - my recommendation of the 33EV was aimed at folks who just want a no fuss no nonsense MC that won't drive you crazy with setup hasles, make you go buy a different phono pre because of ultra low output, or only shine on perfect records. It's just a solid middle of the road performer that someone could live with a good long time - if - they have not heard >$1k carts and are not trying to get the absolute last word in fidelity from the record.

I now have an Ortofon Kontrapunkt h as well as a Per Windfeld that I use on the GT. Both are way beyond the 33EV in sonics and I guess for the price they should be.

I don't think the GT/YA39 combo is terribly fussy. I've had good results with just about anything that I have tried.

Jblnut
 
jblnut said:
Candy - my recommendation of the 33EV was aimed at folks who just want a no fuss no nonsense MC that won't drive you crazy with setup hasles, make you go buy a different phono pre because of ultra low output, or only shine on perfect records. It's just a solid middle of the road performer that someone could live with a good long time - if - they have not heard >$1k carts and are not trying to get the absolute last word in fidelity from the record.

I now have an Ortofon Kontrapunkt h as well as a Per Windfeld that I use on the GT. Both are way beyond the 33EV in sonics and I guess for the price they should be.

I don't think the GT/YA39 combo is terribly fussy. I've had good results with just about anything that I have tried.

Jblnut
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Fair enough nut - I'm looking forward to the Soundsmith neatly doing away with everything else in my collection, when it arrives back next week. :rockon:
 
Auditt2002 said:
Too much , yes it is berrylium of something. I paid 290 euro.
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I honestly thought I knew all there was to know about GT accessories and here you guys are schooling me on one I somehow missed. Looks to be Beryllium and Magnesium. The question now is do I need one?
 
808_state said:
I honestly thought I knew all there was to know about GT accessories and here you guys are schooling me on one I somehow missed. Looks to be Beryllium and Magnesium. The question now is do I need one?
Click to expand...

probably not.. it's just a headshell... ultralight, but nothing more, really..

Yes, one could make some voodoo arguments about the resonance advantages of beryllium over aluminium, but I bet you that cannot even be measured in the output from the turntable... a tenth (or even less) of a millimetre off with alignment will have much more of an impact on sound.
or 0.1g more or less on the tracking force.. or a slight difference in anti-skate, etc.
 
A lot of people put emphasis on the headshell to the point of using them made of different wood etc, without trying for yourself.............

The arm on my current favorite table is sans headshell so there's that lol. Another is removable and machined aluminum, and yet another plastic and fixed etc etc. There are so many schools of thought on this so which is best who knows.
 
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Got the Soundsmith Zephyr MK III back from repairs during the week, and it sounds great with an ADC LMG-1 headshell, total weight = 19.34 gms.

IMG_3530.JPG
 
I have a Fidelity Research FR-2 on a Yamamoto HS-4S carbon fiber headshell. I'm so far from knowing what "good" or the "best" is. But to me, it sounds great. 18.2g.

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I’m currently running a Shelter 501 MK3 with a Jelco Headshell with adjustable azimuth
 

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Hello all! I recently purchased a GT-2000 from the original owner, who bought it in Japan in 1990. It’s in beautiful condition and so far has completely exceeded any expectations I had.

I’m now looking at cartridge options. Current lineup is the Ortofon Quintet Red, an Audio Technica AT33EV with a suspension problem, and a Nagaoka MP-110. Audio Technica have a good replacement program, so one of the options I’m considering is replacing the AT33EV with an AT33PTG/2 or something from their OC9 line. I did see a comment earlier in this thread where someone said the PTG/2 sounded dark and closed off, so a bit hesitant there.

For about the same $ +/-, other cartridges I’m considering include:
  • Hana SL
  • Sumiko Blue Point
  • Ortofon, different Quintet or 2M Bronze
  • Nagaoka MP-200 or MP-300
  • Also, have never seen anyone comment, but my understanding is a Shure V15 with a Jico SAS/B stylus would be high compliance, which seems to be what suits the YAP-39 arm.
Regarding headshells, the Quintet is mounted on a Sumiko headshell (weight unknown at this time) and the Nagaoka is on a Nagaoka headshell. I have a few others, including the stock Yamaha 13 gram, a generic carbon, and a random Technics from one of the SL tables. I’d be happy to add to that collection if a different shell would work better with a preferred cartridge.

I should also add that I’m trying to keep this investment around $500-600. Considering the current sale price on the Hana SL, everything I mentioned above fit that budget. Going through the AT replacement program, I can send my AT33 back and pick up the PTG/2 for about $420, an AT33SA for about $540, and I’m guessing the OC9 options in that range too.

Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on these or any other cartridges that work well with the GT/YAP-39.

Thank you!
 
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If I ever get a new cartridge, I'll want to try the Hana SL.
Until then, I'm perfectly happy with my Denon DL-103R

(that is, if I ever get around to figuring out what's wrong with my tonearm.. but my life's been revolving around the baby for the past 10 months.. and I never had the time/energy to dive deep and find an expert and figure everything out.. haven't heard a record in many months :( )
 
I went from a Denon DL-103 re-tipped with a shibata to the Hana SL, I never looked back, the SL was so much better, I ended up selling the 103.
 
cafe latte said:
That is 22g effective mass with original headshell for the Denon to sing it needs 35g so over 10g more.
Chris
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Chris,

Based on your own knowledge of the 103's mass and inherent compliance, where exactly would it fall on this chart to indicate a problem:

IMG_20250102_120721.jpg

I have a 103 with a busted cantilever that I might get retipped at some point.

Thanks,
808
 
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the tonearm is 9g, and the DL-103R with my Denon headshell absolutely sings.. (well, sang.. just moved and haven't had time to set up the turntable yet..)

I honestly don't get the tiresome regurgitation about the 103R needing a rehousing and a heavy arm and what not.. even the math/simulations works out and says it's fine on the YA-39..
 
mbphotox said:
the tonearm is 9g, and the DL-103R with my Denon headshell absolutely sings.. (well, sang.. just moved and haven't had time to set up the turntable yet..)

I honestly don't get the tiresome regurgitation about the 103R needing a rehousing and a heavy arm and what not.. even the math/simulations works out and says it's fine on the YA-39..
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The chart is for 100Hz not 10 Hz so the maths does not work. There is a conversion factor which does not work it is a total fudge.
It make work to your satisfaction but it is not optimal at all.
Chris
 
808_state said:
Chris,

Based on your own knowledge of the 103's mass and inherent compliance, where exactly would it fall on this chart to indicate a problem:

View attachment 3388004

I have a 103 with a busted cantilever that I might get retipped at some point.

Thanks,
808
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As i said in my other post this chart is for 10Hz not 100 Hz so it does not work.

Retipped they can be altered to work on a 20g arm but it is not possible with the original cantilever.
Chris
 
cafe latte said:
The chart is for 100Hz not 10 Hz so the maths does not work. There is a conversion factor which does not work it is a total fudge.
It make work to your satisfaction but it is not optimal at all.
Chris
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It is not even really close enough for Horse Shoes or Hand Grenades... but it may be better than just guessing... kind of like playing the outfield in baseball all by yourself.
 
crazy how Hifi is all about people divided into two camps:
1. you can only trust your ears (snake oil, cable sounds, amplifier sounds, etc.)
2. you can only trust measurements and data

then there's Vinyl, where some will insist that the "data is wrong" and "you cannot trust your ears" both at the same time :D
All you can rely on is anecdotal BS with no basis whatsoever..

Actual measurements were done (fck the 100hz vs 10hz dispute..)

Tonearm for Denon DL-103

There's a relatively cheap mod for the DL103; it's a machined aluminum cap that fits over the stock cartridge, no prying open or glueing required. Improves the tonal clarity and soundstage in the treble. Highly recommended. https://www.denonaluminumbody.com/
audiokarma.org

Turns out, the 103R is perfectly happy on a YA-39 with 13g headshell (we're talking 22g effective mass already. Mine has 24g effective mass (maybe even 25g with the screws of the headshell) and still sounds great. Your 30+g numbers have no basis whatsoever in any scientific measurements or otherwise.

excerpt:
1735859427479.png
 
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