replacement cartridge for JVC QL-F4

[mogi]

Hello, All. I'm a newbie here and this is my first post.
I picked up a JVC QL-F4 tt for $20 with a shot Empire cart. I'm looking for a budget replacement (around $50). I'm leaning toward the Ortofon OM5E. Any thoughts/suggestions? Where to buy?
Thanks.

 

[Bob_in_OKC]

Seems good. And at $50 you could also consider the AudioTechnica AT95E.

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/mer..._Code=LG&Product_Code=ATC95E&Category_Code=A3

There are multiple places to buy the Ortofon, like lpgear.com, garage-a-records.com and needledoctor.com.

 

[Balifly]

Have you considered getting a replacement stylus ( needle ) for your Empire cartridge?
Some of them are very good.
May be as good as the Ortofon OM 5, even better!!!
What is the model number of your Empire cartridge?

Welcome to AK forums.

 

[mogi]

It's a 2000 E/1 but I'm pretty sure it's shot. When I first hooked the tt up there was/is a loud hum in the left channel. Checked RCA's, ground, etc.- Switched the L-R wires on the Empire cart and got the hum in the right channel- that tells me it's the cart.

 

[Bob_in_OKC]

One nice thing about the OM5E is that it very easily upgrades to several choices of styli.

 

[Balifly]

It's a 2000 E/1 but I'm pretty sure it's shot. When I first hooked the tt up there was/is a loud hum in the left channel. Checked RCA's, ground, etc.- Switched the L-R wires on the Empire cart and got the hum in the right channel- that tells me it's the cart.

Just for your information then, the stylus is still available.
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=EMPS2000EI

 

[mogi]

Thanks for the help, folks. The AT95E looks good too and a few bucks less than the Ortofon. Anybody compare the two? As far as the Empire, there are a few available on the 'bay but no guarantees and I'd like to spin records this weekend with some friends so I want to put an order in today.

 

[Balifly]

The AT 95 HE (hyper elliptical) is an excellent option ! :thmbsp:
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=LPGAT95HE&Categ

 

[Bob_in_OKC]

With the AT95E, the upgrade path would be to the HE stylus as on the cartridge Balifly posted. With the OM5E, the upgrade would be to the 10 or even the 20. So it seems at first glance that the AT series could get you into the high-quality styli for less money than the OM. AT cartridges are generally known for a brighter sound than Ortofon, but that comes down to preference. The AT series seems to take a little more tracking force than the OM, which might be a good thing for your tonearm. Maybe someone with knowledge of the JVC's specs could answer that. The Nagaoka cartridges might be good in this general price range, too.

 

[mogi]

Thanks, Bob. Had I read your latest post sooner I may have gone with the AT but I just ordered the Ortofon from LP Gear. I'll be glad to have this tt up and running. Thanks for all the help!

 

[Bob_in_OKC]

I can't imagine you'll be disappointed with the OM5E. It's a fine choice.