Sonotone 8T versus 9T

[little-al]

I have a 1962 Fisher Philharmonic II that is fitted with a now defunct Sonotone 8T cartridge that needs replacement.

Doing some research on the Sonotone cartridges, it appears that the Sonotone 9T is possibly a direct replacement for the 8T and may be a slightly better performer.

Some info on Sonotone products:

http://www.roger-russell.com/sonopg/sonopc.htm


There are reissue 8T cartridges available, so I could just replace the 8T with another 8T, but thought I'd see if anyone could confirm from their experience if the 9T might be a better option.

Although an option, I'm not interested in converting to a magnetic cartridge and would like to stick with the ceramic.

Does anyone have any experience that can confirm that the 9T is a suitable replacement for the 8T?

Does anyone have any additional experience with whether there is any performance/audible benefit with using the 9T over the 8T?

Thanks!
Al

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Neither is made anymore. Sonotone is long gone. The new replacement is not as good as the originals.

 

[little-al]

Thanks, I realize that Sonotone isn't around anymore and have also read that NOS units are usually problematic as well due to age.

However, there are some 8T and 9T reissues that are being sold by some of the vintage cartridge dealers. I wonder how well they perform?

For example at: www.needles4jukeboxes.com

Beyond that question, does anyone know if the 8T or 9T are interchangeable (they appear to be by spec) and whether one is better than the other? The article linked above seems to indicate that the 9T may be?

Thanks again,
Al