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Replacement for Talisman Alchemist IIIs cartridge?

K

klxdrt

New Member
Can any of you guys recommend a up-to-date replacement for my Talisman Alchemist IIIs cartridge?

CARTRIDGE: Sumiko Talisman Alchemist IIIs cartridge: Output 2.0 mV

PREAMP: Yamaha C-6
phono 1,2 MM: 2.5 mV/47k ohms, capacitance: 220 pF
phono 1 MC: 2.5 100uV/50 ohms

Other Components:
AMP: Yamaha M-4
ARM: Sumiko Premier MMT
TURNTABLE: Systemdek IIX
SPEAKERS: Linn Saras, Velodyne ULD-15 Subwoofer

Cheers,
 
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This is my suggestion. First of all, I have the sota sapphire with the sumiko ft-3 arm with super-mat and reflex clamp. I have the grado statement/reference ($1200.). I also have the shure M97xE with a jico sas stylus. Click on this link> http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/mer...de=LG&Product_Code=e007498&Category_Code=JICO

I am very VERY impressed with this shure/jico SAS combo!:yes:
Unless you have a lot of money to waste,...this is the way to go.
Nuf said.:thmbsp:
 
The Talisman was (is) a great cartridge. I would contact Soundsmith. They do stylus and caniliver replacements and have a steller reputation. It is worth a try. The only problem is you will be without a cart. for awhile. You could always get the Shure M97xe while you are waiting on the Talisman. It's always good to have a back up anyway.
 
The sure is a high compliance cartridge. The tallisman is a low-ish compliance catridge. So I'm not certain that it would even be compatible with his arm.

And while I've not heard the Jitco Stylus, I've never been impressed with the sound of M97XE in its stock form. I'm quite certain that your tallisman will put (the stock version at least) to complete shame.

I've heard excellent things about soundsmith, and keep meaning to send them some of my classics (including my old tallisman) to retip.
 
I'm not real familiar with the Sumiko Talisman Alchemist III cartridge, but I believe it is a Moving Coil cartridge? I do not recall the price range of the Alchemist, but I do recall, it was VERY well respected in its day. With an output of 2.0 mV, I am thinking a good quality HOMC might be just the ticket.

The first ones that come to mind for me are the Denon DL-160 ($179), Benz Micro Silver ($375), or a Dynavector 10x5 ($430). If you are willing to try a LOMC, the Denon 103 ($229) or Benz Micro Gold ($375) would be good choices. I own a Benz Micro Gold and am very happy with it. The phono stage in your Yamaha preamp should be able to handle both the LOMC & HOMC.
 
Cartridge replacement

Thanks for the quick reply and good info. I'll check them out further. You are right about Alchemist IIIs. Mine is a mid 80's vintage and recommended by local experts who aren't around now.

Very dynamic, detailed, great depth & sound stage esp with the Linn Saras. Pink Floyd's "Welcome to the Machine" is unbelievable.

It still sounds great, tests fine, but, how do you know if it's worn & needs replacement? Do you know anyway I can tell with out a microscope?

Cheers,

klxdrt
 
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