I have a Souther tonearm that I am running a Grado MCZ on, works well though I have been having some tracking issues lately (that's another story). Going to try a Denon DL-110 on it for the sheer joy of something new. if I understand it, and I probably don't, given the 110's compliance it theoretically won't be a great match and I will end up back with the MCZ, which is a great cartridge. Going to try it anyway. I was curious, if there are any Souther owners running around in here (besides Grainger, I know what you use!), what cartridges have you tried and what were your thoughts? Thanks!
Souther Cartridges
- Thread starter Paully
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marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
What tracking issues do you have? The MCZ stylus has the ability to track a gnat at night in the fog. By all means try evey cart you can to see which one you prefer in your system. But if the main reason for wanting to try something else is simply tracking, you might want to find the problem(s) first.
Stanton681EEES
Addicted Member
The MCZ stylus has the ability to track a gnat at night in the fog. 
marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
The MCZ stylus has the ability to track a gnat at night in the fog.
How soon before that finds its way into Sterophile or Absolute Sound jargon?
'causeI don't know how many more viels can be lifted or curtains thrown back.
:thmbsp:
It's the old IGD bugaboo on multiple records. I was posting on another forum, which shall remain nameless, and going through the usual motions. Relevelling (which is a gargantuan PIA when I have 4 levels and none of them read the same, have a German made Stabilia on the way) and realigning. Took people's advice and cleaned the stylus (again) and increased VTF to around 1.7. No luck. I doubt the Denon can compete with the MCZ but I thought it might help me isolate the problem with an inexpensive cartridge that can serve as a back-up. I wasn't looking to cross-post with my problem, just thought I might see what cartridges people like for my information as I am curious. Of course any input anyone has is welcome.
Ok, thank you for that. I ought to be able to figure that out with the new Denon pretty quickly then. If it is so, I can just get a new MCZ stylus. This one is pretty new, but that doesn't mean something isn't going wrong.
marcmorin
RIP 1953-2020
Or, the albums you have were played on a table that was set up poor, and or the other styli used were crap and the inner grooves are hosed. The MCZ might just be "snitchin" a bit
Could be, but the albums didn't have that problem before and I even pulled out a new one and unsealed it and still had the problem.
LAB3
AK Member
You are not alone........two years ago bent the cantilever on a NOS Pickering XUV/D4500Q (Shibata) MM while installing it ($285.00)........:tears: I could have purchased ATOC9ML/II MC new a few months ago for what a NOS D4500Q sells for now, when you can find a real Pickering.
Thanks, misery truly does love company. It helps to know others have screwed up too. I know people have laid waste more expensive cartridges than mine, but you still get totally sick when you wreck an absolutely brand new one. But it does help to hear other's mishaps. Ah, well. I threw a royal hissy fit, almost swearing off vinyl. I'm better now.