Stereo successor to GE VR?

[electroking]

Hello all,

Here is a question I have been pondering for sometime. In the mid
to late fifities, a good quality consumer console phono could typically
have a Garrard RC-88 or similar changer with a GE VR cartridge,
with microgroove and 78 styli at either end of a rotatable holder.
With the transition to stereo in 1958-60, it seems that many
manufacturers went to a ceramic stereo cartridge with the same
kind of changeover mechanism. Was there a stereo magnetic cartridge
with the same kind of changeover, or was it necessary to have
two different cartridges if you had both 78s and LPs, and wanted
the good features of a magnetic cartridge phono? Thanks in advance
for any comments

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Your successor to the GE VR II was the Stereo Classic. Alas, it wasn't up to the level of the VR II. The designer of it by the name of Pritchard went on to found ADC and fulfill his dream of lower mass, lighter tracking MM cartridges. Shure took the leadership in Stereo magnetic cartridges along with Pickering. The Pickering was commonly fitted in changers in better gear. No turnover magnetic pickups for Stereo, you changed styli when 78 or mono was needed.

 

[electroking]

Thanks a lot for the info and best regards.

 

[Mopic5]

G.E.s variable reluctance entry into stereo was the VR-22. It did, in fact, have a turnaround for mono 1 mil & 3 mil/78 styli. Some "Juke" suppliers still sell parts for these. But because the great variance in compliance and tracking force between these two formats, I'd keep the two separate - different carts at a minimum.
Assuming you like the G.E. VRs….
For 78 play, I'd recommend the RPX turnaround with a 3 mil stylus at one end and a 2.5 mil on the other - both sides track well at 7 or 8 grams. And the 2.5 "archival" tip would go deeper in the groove for possible virgin modulation (or more noise if you hit a debris field.)
For mono LPs, I'd go with the VRII outfitted with 1 mil and .7 styli in the turnaround tracking at 3 to 4 grams.
For stereo, the field opens too wide to stick with G.E. VRs for the convenience of a turnaround.
Remember that a smaller stylus tip tracking in a larger groove than it was designed for, will cause damage and pronto - especially at G.E. tracking forces.
- Mario