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Thinking about MC cartridges

Sgt Shultz said:
Needing to adjust VTA is a factor of cartridge height, it has nothing to do with whether it's a MM, MI, or MC, high or low output. Added to this a need for a more critical VTA setting has to do with the stylus profile, again nothing to do with the generator type.
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Since a majority of MC cartridges use the Shibata or micro line stylus, and that stylus shape is more sensitive to adjustment than elliptical or spherical profiles, then having the ability to adjust VTA, along with SRA and azimuth are important for best performance.
 
Fishead said:
If not, there is at least one retailer that permits you to make a purchase and if not happy, return it.....return shipping at your expense but with something like a cartridge, that is normally a small expense and well worth the outlay when you consider that you are able to find out if you're happy or not before making the larger $$$ commitement.
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Hi @prighello, maybe you didn't see my post, but this is about as close to what you are asking for as you will get.....MusicDirect, last I heard and unless they changed their policy, will send you a cartridge upon purchase and if you don't like it, will refund your purchase price as long as you send it back to them on your dime and in the original box, essentially unchanged from how you received it. You have to be careful in unpacking and installing etc. etc. but it is possible this way to hear something you want but aren't 100% sure.....They typically turn around and put it back up for sale as an "Open Box" item and knock a bit off the price.
 
mkane said:
Doesn't unchanged imply unused?
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Good question but no, you can put it on your table and hear how it sounds and I think you even have 90 days until you have to make up your mind.....at least the last time I talked with the rep I work with there that was the deal. Am I allowed to mention names? Like the name of my rep? He has been astounding over the past 5 years or so that I've been his customer and I would highly recommend him. If not, anyone that wants can send me a pm and I will share details like that.....
 
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mkane said:
And you will need a spare. Sooner or later you will bust it.
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Hahaha, no.....unless you take a ballpeen hammer to it but usually folks are not particularly given to that form of expression of disappointment!!! Otherwise, it is better to simply have it re-tipped. This will set you back a few bills, but well worth it if you really like the cartridge and as many have mentioned, there are a number of re-tippers available.....some more affordable than others too!
 
Can't speak to the conditions or situation that affects the OPs decision but I bought a retipped HOMC & it was a revelation.
I ended up w a second HOMC (also off a fresh retip).

I'll sell all except one (maybe 2) of the MMs.

Sometimes you can get a very fine HOMC at an attractive price.
 
homebrew said:
Since a majority of MC cartridges use the Shibata or micro line stylus, and that stylus shape is more sensitive to adjustment than elliptical or spherical profiles, then having the ability to adjust VTA, along with SRA and azimuth are important for best performance.
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What makes you think that lol?

Added to that there are plenty here installing ML stylus on their MM AT carts.

Now if you're implying stepping up to a LOMC gets you a better cartridge and stylus for your money then I agree:D
 
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Fishead said:
That is very true, witness the $99 high output SAE MC carts that were on the bay a few weeks ago....now those were really special deals, but if you keep an eye out, you can find others.
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Ya, but it just doesn't have that something special my LOMC cartridges have. Sure they were more money but ONLY because the SAE was old and priced as such.

Admittedly I have the E version, but it seems many that purchased both preferred the E.:dunno:
 
Many of the Denon DL 103s don’t technically have elliptical or micro line stylus, their considered conicals, or spherical, some discussion about Denon’s special cut…….The DL103 series is one of the oldest, highest selling lines of MC carts.

Purchased a 1003R for $65 and cost me another $250 at Joseph Longs to get a Black Nude Elliptical & Cantilever.

The VAS upgraded basic 103 with weight, and elliptical cost me just over $225 for the whole thing :cool:

Now I’m a fan of all types of cartridges, own what many consider some of the very best vintage MM/MI carts, but the Denon 103s are king for sound quality & value in my book….

VR
Andy
 
homebrew said:
Since a majority of MC cartridges use the Shibata or micro line stylus, and that stylus shape is more sensitive to adjustment than elliptical or spherical profiles, then having the ability to adjust VTA, along with SRA and azimuth are important for best performance.
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My experience on a good but not exceptional arm is a ML (or Vivid line) is more forgiving that a shibata.
I'll use different mats to adj VTL as my arm doesn't have VTL adj.
May not be perfect but I'm getting pretty good sound.
Obviously, you have to be deliberate to set up the parameters you can control precisely.

Someone w a better arm can likely do better but I do not think I over reached or wasted my money.
YMMV.
 
Fishead said:
Hahaha, no.....unless you take a ballpeen hammer to it but usually folks are not particularly given to that form of expression of disappointment!!! Otherwise, it is better to simply have it re-tipped. This will set you back a few bills, but well worth it if you really like the cartridge and as many have mentioned, there are a number of re-tippers available.....some more affordable than others too!
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I can't even remember how many stylus I have busted being ham fisted. IMO re-tipping $300 (301mkII) cartridges isn't worth it.
 
mkane said:
I can't even remember how many stylus I have busted being ham fisted. IMO re-tipping $300 (301mkII) cartridges isn't worth it.
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I can only recall putting a nice curve in one cantilever years ago. I feel the use of really good cartridges, LOMC generally, is a good idea.

But if one is going to pooch a stylus every year or so, it makes sense to use some that are easily replaced with prices easily paid.
 
mkane said:
Don't go down that rabbit hole. There's plenty of great mm units out there with easily replaceable styli.

I just busted my 301 mkII cantilever off and was so disgusted I smashed what was left with a ball peen hammer. Effing tonearm should have a lock on it.
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It could have been retipped for around 250 bucks which is a similar price of a decent stylus.
Chris
 
homebrew said:
Since a majority of MC cartridges use the Shibata or micro line stylus, and that stylus shape is more sensitive to adjustment than elliptical or spherical profiles, then having the ability to adjust VTA, along with SRA and azimuth are important for best performance.
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Not really true..
A new Micro ridge has a rounded edge and rounded contact surface to wear in. I spoke with the owner of Namiki and this is specifically there for poor alignment the stylus will wear in.
Re rake angle 6mm up at the rear is less than 2 degrees rake angle this is crazy out and makes little difference. People obsess about 0.5mm high or low which is fractions of a degree in rake angle and makes no difference at all.
Chris
 
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