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Sansui AU5900 + SL1700 and MC cart

M

MaxDaddy

Member
Looking at new carts. Been running the old Shure m97xe and matching stylus. What still new stylus you can find are really expensive. Thought about the LP Gear or Jico replacements but also thought I’d take the opportunity to move to an mc if I can.

My setup is a Technics SL1700 TT and Sansui AU5900 amp.

I’ve seen some references to using an MC with the amp but nothing definitive.

The amp has two phono inputs. Phono one has a selector switch with pickup load 30, 50 and 100. I’m not sure if that has anything to do with an MC cart.

So the question is can I run an MC cart with this setup?

And if so what would a good won’t break the bank one to get?
 
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MaxDaddy said:
So the question is can I run an MC cart with this setup?
Click to expand...
The Sansui AU-5900 amplifier only has MM Phono inputs, so doesn't have the ability to use an MC cartridge on its own unless the MC cartridge is a 'high output' type. These are few and far between and won't necessarily yield the best quality, or be suitable for your turntable. To use the widest possible range of available MC cartridges you need an SUT (Step Up Transformer), or an 'MC Phono Pre-amplifier' to bring the output of the chosen MC cartridge up to a level that the AU-5900 can deal with.
 
Hyperion said:
The Sansui AU-5900 amplifier only has MM Phono inputs, so doesn't have the ability to use an MC cartridge on its own unless the MC cartridge is a 'high output' type. These are few and far between and won't necessarily yield the best quality, or be suitable for your turntable. To use the widest possible range of available MC cartridges you need an SUT (Step Up Transformer), or an 'MC Phono Pre-amplifier' to bring the output of the chosen MC cartridge up to a level that the AU-5900 can deal with.
Click to expand...
 
Thank you for the info.

So what would a suggestion for a new mm cart be?

Something above the Shure?

I looked at the ortofon red but seems like it might not really be an upgrade.

Budget is probably 100-200
 
The M97 is no slouch. You mention replacement styli being expensive but want to get a MC cart which are typically way more expensive? And like Hyperion mentioned, you’ll need a high output MC or a pre-amp for it to jive with your Sui. You won’t get any of that within your budget.

With your budget I’d just get a hyper elliptical or micro line stylus for your M97.

Is your Sansui original? I have an AU6900 that I use as a pre-amp in my main system. The phono section sounded like damp socks until I had it restored. My tech went through the whole unit replacing all old caps and bum transistors, the phono section is now absolutely wonderful sounding. I was running a separate phono pre before, but the Sansui phono now blows it out of the water. I’m using a Shure M95 and love the sound.
 
I see a
percivilla said:
The M97 is no slouch. You mention replacement styli being expensive but want to get a MC cart which are typically way more expensive? And like Hyperion mentioned, you’ll need a high output MC or a pre-amp for it to jive with your Sui. You won’t get any of that within your budget.

With your budget I’d just get a hyper elliptical or micro line stylus for your M97.

Is your Sansui original? I have an AU6900 that I use as a pre-amp in my main system. The phono section sounded like damp socks until I had it restored. My tech went through the whole unit replacing all old caps and bum transistors, the phono section is now absolutely wonderful sounding. I was running a separate phono pre before, but the Sansui phono now blows it out of the water. I’m using a Shure M95 and love the sound.
Click to expand...

I see a Jico and LP Gear stylus replacement. Can you point to the others you mentioned?

And what would a good replacement head she’ll be? I’ve got the original old style Technics. I don’t know if that is more specific to the old cartridges or I can use something newer. The one on there now is original and probably needs a cleaning at least. Thinking I just do a whole update except for the cart maybe.

My Sansui 5900 is “original” but I got it and the matching tuner at a steal when somebody passed away.

I had the 5500 and loved it so much that I was on the lookout for a 5900 to add a little more power.

They had been sitting in boxes for 30 years. Took it to be serviced and everything is like new. So have replace any parts.
 
MaxDaddy said:
I see a


I see a Jico and LP Gear stylus replacement. Can you point to the others you mentioned?

And what would a good replacement head she’ll be? I’ve got the original old style Technics. I don’t know if that is more specific to the old cartridges or I can use something newer. The one on there now is original and probably needs a cleaning at least. Thinking I just do a whole update except for the cart maybe.

My Sansui 5900 is “original” but I got it and the matching tuner at a steal when somebody passed away.

I had the 5500 and loved it so much that I was on the lookout for a 5900 to add a little more power.

They had been sitting in boxes for 30 years. Took it to be serviced and everything is like new. So have replace any parts.
Click to expand...

Here’s what I’d get: *Edited, correct link a couple posts down*

headshells haven’t changed much, nothing to be gained there. The old Technics ones are just fine, I have a couple.

that’s good the Sansui is in such good shape, but capacitors age whether they’re used or not. I wouldn’t spend a bunch of money on peripherals until the amp is restored. Like I mentioned, the phono on my AU6900 was pretty anemic before restoring. The best cart/stylus in the world isn’t going to sound like much unless the amp is running properly.
 
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Jico's your best friend as a Shure owner. That said, you can run a medium mass Low Output MC with a step-up transformer or MC capable phono stage if you desire to.
 
That’s good stuff

I’ve gone back and forth between the baerwald and just the Technics over hang gauge

I’m out when you start talking about vta and stuff.

I would pay somebody to come set it all up.
 
MaxDaddy said:
That’s good stuff

I’ve gone back and forth between the baerwald and just the Technics over hang gauge

I’m out when you start talking about vta and stuff.

I would pay somebody to come set it all up.
Click to expand...

Don't sweat VTA too much. As long as the arm is fairly level when playing a record you're fine.

Alignment is really simple once it "clicks". I still remember when I finally "got it" ;)

For a technics table I'd just stick with the overhang gauge. Plenty close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades.
 
After reading everything here and all the glowing reviews on the interwebs I ordered the Jico SAS. Looking forward to the upgrade.
 
Just wow!

Installed the new Jico SAS today and it sounds amazing. I didn’t realize what I was missing with the stock stylus. Everything just seems more alive.

Really glad I went this route and didn’t switch to a whole new setup.

Thanks to everyone for all the advice.
 
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