Trying to identify Mission Cartridge

[slazechko]

Hey all,

I'm trying to identify the cartridge on my TT. I dug my dad's old table out of storage a couple months ago, and I want to replace the needle, as I'm not sure how old it is or what kind of shape its in. I've attached a couple photos so you can see the cartridge.
After a bit of research, I found there seem to be 3 versions of the 773 cartridge: moving magnet (which was aparently red or black), moving coil (which is silver, like mine, and is why I think that's what I have), or High output moving coil (which was gold). I believe I have correctly identified mine as a Mission 773 MC silver cartridge. However, the only needle I've been able to find that's a close match is here: http://www.styli.co.nz/mission.html
(also, in a manual I found online here: http://www.vinylengine.com/library/mission/773.shtml they refer to them as LC, HC, or SM. I'm not sure what those mean, but I think mine would be the HC)
Unfortunately (?), the only stylus I found seems to be for the 773 MM. So the difference here, if I understand correctly is that one is "moving coil" and one is "moving magnet", but i don't know if that affects the needle I should get. Are the styluses interchangeable? I'm still relatively new to this stuff, so I don't know if I can just get the MM needle or not. If I can't use the stylus I linked to above, then does anyone know where I can get the right stylus?

Thanks

 

[Balifly]

Hey all,

I'm trying to identify the cartridge on my TT. I dug my dad's old table out of storage a couple months ago, and I want to replace the needle, as I'm not sure how old it is or what kind of shape its in. I've attached a couple photos so you can see the cartridge.
After a bit of research, I found there seem to be 3 versions of the 773 cartridge: moving magnet (which was aparently red or black), moving coil (which is silver, like mine, and is why I think that's what I have), or High output moving coil (which was gold). I believe I have correctly identified mine as a Mission 773 MC silver cartridge. However, the only needle I've been able to find that's a close match is here: http://www.styli.co.nz/mission.html
(also, in a manual I found online here: http://www.vinylengine.com/library/mission/773.shtml they refer to them as LC, HC, or SM. I'm not sure what those mean, but I think mine would be the HC)
Unfortunately (?), the only stylus I found seems to be for the 773 MM. So the difference here, if I understand correctly is that one is "moving coil" and one is "moving magnet", but i don't know if that affects the needle I should get. Are the styluses interchangeable? I'm still relatively new to this stuff, so I don't know if I can just get the MM needle or not. If I can't use the stylus I linked to above, then does anyone know where I can get the right stylus?

Thanks

The stylus from NZ is for the Mission 773 mm cartridge.

Your Mission 773 appears to be a moving coil cartridge.

The stylus on your Mission 773 moving coil cartridge does not appear to be user replaceable.

I have the least desirable Mission 773, the mm one.

 

[telemike]

I had the MM one in black on my Dual back in the 90's

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[slazechko]

The stylus on your Mission 773 moving coil cartridge does not appear to be user replaceable.

Thanks for the reply. Since it's not user replaceable, what does that mean for me? Do non user replaceable styli last longer? Do I have to take it to some kind of shop that can replace it for me? I looked online adn Mission doesn't have any info on their website either.

 

[static14]

you'd have to send it off to be retipped by someone like soundsmith (there are some other places as well)

 

[Balifly]

Thanks for the reply. Since it's not user replaceable, what does that mean for me? Do non user replaceable styli last longer? Do I have to take it to some kind of shop that can replace it for me? I looked online adn Mission doesn't have any info on their website either.

There are two stylus:

0.6 x 0.8mm (773LC)

0.3 x 0.7mm (773, 773SM

The 0.6 x 0.8mm LC - Line Contact version should be the more durable one.

Not sure which one you have.

Since you know the history of the stylus, continue to use it if you wish.

When it is time for re tipping you can decide what to do then.

In the mean time be careful not to use it on dirty LPs and enjoy it.

 

[Montycat]

Yes, retipping by Soundsmith or a similar company will be the only way to go with that cartridge. Expect to spend at least $150 for the service.

Or you could install a Moving Magnet and spend anywhere from $30 to many hundreds. You will then be able to replace styli as they wear out yourself.

Are you using the turntable yet? I think that the version you have is high output (HOMC), or should be if you have identified it correctly:

Output voltage: 0.2mV (773LC), 1.7mV (773), 0.2mV (773SM)

The 1.7mv should work on a regular phono input, but if .2mv you would need a Moving Coil (MC) phono stage or extra pre-amp.

 

[slazechko]

Yes I have been using the table for about a month now. I think it must be the high output version as I'm using an Adcom GTP-500 II, which I don't think has any special extra pre-pre-amp stuff in it. Are there any surefire ways to tell if I need to retip it? I'm in college, so the budget isn't particularly huge right now, and I'd like to not spend $150 on something like this if its not completely necessary.

Thanks again for all the replies and help

 

[Balifly]

Yes I have been using the table for about a month now. I think it must be the high output version as I'm using an Adcom GTP-500 II, which I don't think has any special extra pre-pre-amp stuff in it. Are there any surefire ways to tell if I need to retip it? I'm in college, so the budget isn't particularly huge right now, and I'd like to not spend $150 on something like this if its not completely necessary.

Thanks again for all the replies and help

Take some high quality close up pictures of the diamond tip.

The more knowledgeable members here may be able to tell you whether it is in good condition or not.

Very good chance that is it and you can just keep using it. :thmbsp: