Technics epc p33 replacement/upgrade

S

shayben

New Member
Hey All,
So after the last thread, I did some homework regarding to options for stylus/cartridge upgrade/replacement.

I have Technics SL MA1 with the P mount headshell and also a very lightweight (plastic) 1/2 inch headshell.

Right now, I feel like the p33 with a genuine stylus (which I have no idea how many hours it worked; probably a lot since the 80's and it seems to be a bit twisted), sounds very "soft", bass is really not punchy, and sometimes it seems like mids have not so good separation. It sounds really good with jazz but hell, black sabbath were so gentle with this cartridge.

So I narrow down my options to this list:
- LPGear - regular ES replacement
- LPGear - VL stylus replacement - is it perfectly fits?
- Ortofon - OMP 10 - which in youtube at least, sounded also a bit soft as well
- Shure - m92e
- Grado - black - (also sounded a bit dull, on youtube at least).
- Ortofon 2M red - my 1/2 mount is 2.9 grams, cartridge weight is 7.2 grams, and the effective mass of the tonearm is 9 grams. it's about 8-10hz resonance computed.

What do you think can be the best choice in that budget in terms of:
- tracking errors - (inner grooves can kill me)
- sound stage
- frequency range

FYI
LPGear also recommended on this MC cartridge BIN 215, which it seems to fit on the 10hz resonance table.
 
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I'd find a cheap turntable for sale that has a low use p33 cartridge to salvage, if this is the one i think you're talking about i feel like most people hunt for the p22 and p23 so you can still get this cartridge. I i don't know why but i really like how it sounds. i have two in great shape that i got this way.
 
wualta said:
It may be too late or outside the OP's budget, but turntableneedles ("TTN") has restocked their hyperelliptical stylus for the Technics p-mount cartridges. I have one from years ago that sounds very good. If TTN is still getting them from the same source at the same quality level, it's worth a look:
https://www.turntableneedles.com/EP...s-EPC-P24-etc--our-Needle-718-DHE_p_3817.html
And yes, this stylus will fit the P33 body.
Click to expand...
Ive just
recievied the lp gears vivid line, sounds really good.

But I'll pin this link for my next stylus, thanks!
 
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