SL-D2 with DL-103. Now what for SL-5
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ETI_5000
Super Member
The Denon DL-103 should work well with your Technics, but you are unlikely to find a cartridge of the same quality as the DL-103 for your SL-5. Have a look at P-mount options on websites such as LPGear and Needle Doctor. You could try something like an Ortofon X1-MCP, which is a high output MC.
LPGear has limited stock of the Shure V15V-P, but the problem with them is finding a compatible stylus once the original stylus is worn, and LPGear runs out of original replacement styli. The Shure V15VMR stylus will fit, and is available from Jico in MR or SAS shapes, but isn’t suitable for P-mount turntables like your SL-5, as it’s not the same weight as the original stylus.
Perhaps the best option is an Audio Technica model, as many of their P-mounts can be upgraded with Shibata or microline styli. Something like the AT-311EP can be upgraded with the ATN-3472SA Shibata or the ATN-3472ML microline stylus.
There are also some really excellent Technics cartridges that are P-mount, but the problem is finding them at a reasonable price.
LPGear has limited stock of the Shure V15V-P, but the problem with them is finding a compatible stylus once the original stylus is worn, and LPGear runs out of original replacement styli. The Shure V15VMR stylus will fit, and is available from Jico in MR or SAS shapes, but isn’t suitable for P-mount turntables like your SL-5, as it’s not the same weight as the original stylus.
Perhaps the best option is an Audio Technica model, as many of their P-mounts can be upgraded with Shibata or microline styli. Something like the AT-311EP can be upgraded with the ATN-3472SA Shibata or the ATN-3472ML microline stylus.
There are also some really excellent Technics cartridges that are P-mount, but the problem is finding them at a reasonable price.
Bob_in_OKC
Addicted Member
An Ortofon OMP-10 could be nice...
http://www.needledoctor.com/Ortofon-OMP10-P-Mount-Phono-Cartridge?sc=2&category=378
http://www.needledoctor.com/Ortofon-OMP10-P-Mount-Phono-Cartridge?sc=2&category=378
Jonny Ramone
Super Member
Audio Technica AT311 ep http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/cartridges/1493a144c09f4695/index.html
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
P-Mount isn't a good platform for a moving coil. The Technics MC was my favorite on that. Ortofon OMP I liked on a SL-5. The Audio-Technica with an upgraded stylus was another P-Mount favorite.
ants2au
Ants
this is interesting to hear. So I shouldnt be going for a MC cartridge for the SL-5?
I picked up the 103 for around $150, so wasnt planning on spending anymore on the SL-5.
I picked up the 103 for around $150, so wasnt planning on spending anymore on the SL-5.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
A moving coil belongs on a 1/2" mount turntable for best performance with a suitable tonearm. P-Mount is best with MM Cartridges best used with light tonearms.
I wonder about this broad brush statement as it seems to not account for tables like the Technics SL-10 with its own built in MC amplifier. Granted, that built in MC amp is no match for a high end preamp, but my point is that there are exceptions to your statement, which seems to suggest that one should never bother to mount a MC cartridge on a p-mount tonearm.
I realize that P-mounts have a standardized tracking force, etc., but some of them do have adjustments where TF can be increased if needed for a particular cartridge. I know the Technics SL-5, SL-10 and a couple of non-linear ones (e.g. SL-D2) I've got here do have TF adjustments.
Ortofon still makes a nice MC cart (X1-MCP) and I'm sure others that I haven't heard (Grado) sound fine. After all, not all MC carts are super performers meant for only ultra-high end gear.
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KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
His SL-D2 wasn't a super high end turntable either but the arm can sing with a MC cartridge costing 4-6 times or more the list price of the table. The SL-10 had a Technics made High Output Moving Coil made for that low mass linear arm. There is no P-Mount Denon MC for his SL-5. But most Moving Coils are tracked at 2 grams and even heavier. The X1-MCP is decent but really is a mismatch to a point compared with it's 1/2" mount sibling on a medium mass tonearm. I am just pointing out the typical moving coil applications. But rules can be broken with good results.
ants2au
Ants
ok, I only have 2 headshells (aluminium) at the moment and I will use one of them for the DL-103.
as per photo, which one do you think I should sacrifice (I know, they are both crap cartridges compared to the 103).
The 270C always sounded too fat in sound for my liking, so have always used the U25.
Audio is such a such a subjective thing, but I always like to hear other peoples opinion. Everyone would have a different experience and taste.
So which one?
Just for history, I have had my SL-D2 and these cartridges from new (bought them in 1981), so they are all that I know in LP sound.
as per photo, which one do you think I should sacrifice (I know, they are both crap cartridges compared to the 103).
The 270C always sounded too fat in sound for my liking, so have always used the U25.
Audio is such a such a subjective thing, but I always like to hear other peoples opinion. Everyone would have a different experience and taste.
So which one?
Just for history, I have had my SL-D2 and these cartridges from new (bought them in 1981), so they are all that I know in LP sound.
