New Cartridge Advice

[AndyCC72]

My current set up is follows

Technics SL1500C - KAB Fluid Dampener, Achromat and Isonoe feet added.
AT OC9 XML cartridge
Lyngdorf 1120 Amp
iFi iPhono3 stage
Spendor D7.2
2 x SVS SB2000 pro subs

I would describe the amp, phono stage, cartridge and speakers all as neutral sounding.

The result is a very detailed sound (which I generally like) with a good sound stage and imaging. The bass is great as the sub’s integrated brilliantly by the DSP in the amp and the other ranges are sounding better than any system I’ve had (which is not that many compared to most on here)

I’m just looking for a bit more warmth, not too much as that’s really not my thing, I like a detailed, crisp sound that is just a touch on the warm side of nuetral.

I suspect that with the budget available the cart would be the best way to achieve this so am looking for recommendations for a cart that would gel with my kit and has the desired sound signature

£750 max budget, preferably MC but would contemplate MM

I spent a lovely afternoon round @Baggawire house yesterday listening to his excellent system and felt his system has nailed the detail and non fatiguing thing to a absolute tee.

My audiophile vocabulary is poor and normally consists of ‘it sounds better’ or ‘it sounds worse’ so forgive me if I haven’t explained my criteria well. My ears are good though 😉

 

[Clubsport911]

I went from your cartridge to the 33-PTG -II - It has a slightly sweeter upper register in my opinion, and also bass more impactful and better in almost every respect. I use it with Technics SL 1200 – GR.

I think you should look at this option as AT used to have a very good trade in system. I got mine for about 350

Thoughts ?

 

[lazycat]

I've been using a Dynavector 10x5 mkii Low for the past few months.

And at your price I can wholeheartedly recommend it. More neutral than my old 2M Black, it's at least as detailed, has great bass and very funky. Better imaging as well.

Very happy cat here.

 

[Lurch]

Before you go swapping carts, drop the arm pillar 1 - 2mm and see if running the cart slightly tail down gets you what your looking for.

 

[AndyCC72]

I went from your cartridge to the 33-PTG -II - It has a slightly sweeter upper register in my opinion, and also bass more impactful and better in almost every respect. I use it with Technics SL 1200 – GR.

I think you should look at this option as AT used to have a very good trade in system. I got mine for about 350

Thoughts ?

It certainly makes sense to make use of the trade in option.

I’ll do a bit of research on that cart.

 

[AndyCC72]

Before you go swapping carts, drop the arm pillar 1 - 2mm and see if running the cart slightly tail down gets you what your looking for

I will try that this evening.

The cart is near to the end of its life based on hours so I’ll be replacing it soon anyway

 

[greybeard]

The OC9's have always had a reputation for erring on the bright side of neutral, I have personally not heard one for that reason, but I have a Quintet Black S which I have been fettling this afternoon, as I was bored, I have added 0.15 gm to the VTF and boy what an improvement to my ears, no detail lost but a much smoother presentation to my ears. I was tracking at the recommended 2.3 gms now up to 2.45gms. The max VTF Ortofon specify is 2.5.
You do not state what you are tracking at, but it might be worth adding a bit more weight to your VTF, or/and as Lurch said lowwer the arm pillar a tad.

 

[Jason P]

I think a 33PTGII will give you what you want - it's got the detail of the 9, moreso in fact, but it's just more refined with that little bit more heft in the lower registers that makes it seem more fleshed out. I loved mine when I had it.

 

[AndyCC72]

The OC9's have always had a reputation for erring on the bright side of neutral, I have personally not heard one for that reason, but I have a Quintet Black S which I have been fettling this afternoon, as I was bored, I have added 0.15 gm to the VTF and boy what an improvement to my ears, no detail lost but a much smoother presentation to my ears. I was tracking at the recommended 2.3 gms now up to 2.45gms. The max VTF Ortofon specify is 2.5.
You do not state what you are tracking at, but it might be worth adding a bit more weight to your VTF, or/and as Lurch said lowwer the arm pillar a tad.

Im tracking at bang on 2, will try upping it a tad later this evening when I get a chance.

Thanks

 

[AndyCC72]

I've been using a Dynavector 10x5 mkii Low for the past few months.

And at your price I can wholeheartedly recommend it. More neutral than my old 2M Black, it's at least as detailed, has great bass and very funky. Better imaging as well.

Very happy cat here.

I’ll do a bit of research on it. Thanks for the advise,

A friend of mine has recommended a ortofon quintet black.

Plenty to think about it.

 

[AndyCC72]

I’ve lowered the VTA a tad and gone from 2 to 2.1 tracking. slightly less ‘in your face’ and I the top end sounds a tad sweeter, a definite slight improvement.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[lazycat]

I’ll do a bit of research on it. Thanks for the advise,

A friend of mine has recommended a ortofon quintet black.

Plenty to think about it.

TBH, the Quintet Black was my other choice.

It's hard to make a decision without listening, but I'm very happy with the Dynavector.

 

[Idlewithnodrive]

For just the warm side of neutral, a Hana SL is worth a listen.

 

[rabski]

The OC-9 is good, but needs careful partnering IME, as it can edge into being bright and lacking 'weight'. However, as well as the (spot on) advice about VTA, I'd also experiment a little with the phono stage settings.

I've not had or tried one, but looking at pictures, the DIP switches are minute, so double check you have the correct eq for a start (RIAA). Also, try changing the resistive load. You can't do any harm, and you may find something higher or lower than standard gives some benefit.

Assuming all that doesn't make enough difference... the Hana andDynavector ideas are good. I don't know the Quintet, but if they're an improvement on the Rondo series they may well be worth a shot too.

 

[AndyCC72]

The OC-9 is good, but needs careful partnering IME, as it can edge into being bright and lacking 'weight'. However, as well as the (spot on) advice about VTA, I'd also experiment a little with the phono stage settings.

I've not had or tried one, but looking at pictures, the DIP switches are minute, so double check you have the correct eq for a start (RIAA). Also, try changing the resistive load. You can't do any harm, and you may find something higher or lower than standard gives some benefit.

Assuming all that doesn't make enough difference... the Hana and Dynavector ideas are good. I don't know the Quintet, but if they're an improvement on the Rondo series they may well be worth a shot too.

I have already tried changing the resistance load and DIP switched are definitely correct.

It's not ear piercingly bright and I have enjoyed it since I have had it. the VTA change has helped. I just think, as you mentioned the partnering equipment might not be a perfect match. It sounds great but as the cart needs to be replaced soon I want something just a a slight touch warmer.

I'm eying up an AT ART7, from what little I have read it might be just what I'm after and it's going for a good price.

 

[AndyCC72]

Does anyone here have any experience with the AT ART7 or an opinion on whether it will work with my deck/arm? I believe that my phono stage is a good fit for the cart.

 

[aybracers]

How about something left outfield. The Gold Note Donatello Gold. For years I used one of Leonard Gregory's Music Master cartridges and since his demise I've gone back to MC. The Donatello was excellent in an Audiomods 6 arm and gave a robust balanced sound without any treble fizz. I've moved on to Brinkmann and Lyra now at a very different price point but the Gold Note was an excellent stopping point on the way and mine has done less than 40 hours. PM me if you would like to try it. I'm in South London.

 

[Non-Smoking Man]

Martin Pickles Cadenza Bronze in the Classifieds?

Jack

 

[Tarzan]

Martin Pickles Cadenza Bronze in the Classifieds?

Jack

What a waste of a perfectly good cartridge.

 

[DomT]

Another vote for Dynavector. I have owned them for years from the 10 to the DRT1S and they have a vibrancy and richness to the sound that’s not fatiguing more too warm. It’s a great combination. Otherwise a Nagaoka MP300 would be my MM choice. It’s obviously different to the Dynavector but it will probably be a fit.