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I have a Technics SL 1500 C turntable and am currently using an Ortofon pro s 30 stylus. I've never ventured into moving coil cartridges but now I'd like to try.
I currently have a Darlington Lab phono stage that can be configured for LOMC carts. However at this time,I don't feel comfortable ( yet) to open up the unit and tweak until I'm more confident with doing it properly.
Can the members give me a shortlist of HOMC carts?
My budget is about 1K. I'm sure there's some good carts in this price range.
I've also heard about the RigB! setup?
It get lots of positive reviews.
Thanks
Follow Ups:
I think someone else already offered this opinion, but my opinion is not to bother with an HOMC, because my experience with that class of cartridges is that high output MI cartridges and some MM cartridges outperform all HOMCs that I have heard in my system, and all three types require about the same modest amount of phono stage gain. Plus all three types work well into the standard 47K ohm input impedance of an MM phono stage. HOMCs I have owned include two Benz Gliders (different generations of the same model) and a Transfiguration Esprit. My Nagaoka MP500, SoundSmith re-tipped Grace Ruby, B&O MMC1 and MMC20CL, and Acutex LPM320 all outperformed the HOMCs in my system to my ears.
As I am writing this, I am realizing that we have not defined "High Output" as it applies to MC. You could say that for example an AT ART9 and its latest versions are HOMC, but the output is less than or equal to only 1mV. I am thinking HOMCs with signal voltage output at least 2-3mV.
among HOMC cartridges I have owned and heard in my system. It was the least good of all the others, to put it diplomatically.
I'll throw out an additional strategy: Don't blow your whole budget on a HOMC. Consider getting a cheaper one (my first mc cart was an Ortofon MC-3 Turbo) until you're ready to make the changes inside your phono stage, then pursue your LOMC. Maybe by that time you will have replenished your cart funds back to 1K. Might save you some money in the long run, especially if you're inclined to get a LOMC in the near future.
More info overload here if you want. I read about carts for over a year.
Ended up with Soundsmith Zephyr ES MKIII list $1500. I paid $1k. Many great reviews, like the Fixed Coil MI concept, the stylus rebuld service and it looks cool. I plan to make this the last cartridge I buy.
If you want a description on Fixed Coil MI, go to Soundsmith...Cartridges...Why Fixed Coil Kicks A$$.
Funny, a poster here stated HOMC is a market driven product. Peter Ledermann at Soundsmith stated LOMC are a market driven product. Go figure, but the FC MI design seems to make sense in regard to moving mass.
I also think moving iron the design of choice, from my experience with a B and O cart, who brought the design to market. Or at least until the light transmission or electronic designs adopt an amplification standard and develop a longer history with consumers. my wallet says I am not an early adopter.
I agree with Beach Cruiser completely.
Like Ghost, I've used several DL110 and DL160 cartridges over the years and can say that although they sound good for what they are, the technical performance is limited by the higher moving mass (as all high output MCs are) in the mid and HF tracking ability. If you were to compare these cartridges to the low output models from the same stable (like the DL301MkII or DL304; both of which I have also used), they simply don't compare for neutrality or technical performance - the low output models sound much cleaner and just perform better in all areas including soundstaging.
If I were in your position, I would suggest going straight to low output and look at a DL301Mk2 or consider an ATOC9XEN at the value end of the market. The real starting point is the ATOC9XML if you want a taste of the higher performance that low output MC offers over MM without going nuts on outlay.
I would also highly recommend you use a SUT instead of the MC input of your phono pre if you really want to get the best out of your cartridge. However, definitely start off with the MC input first and get used to the sound quality improvements.
Regards Anthony
"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats
+1. With a phono stage that offers a MC input, I would certainly be exploring low output coils as well. I humbly suggest the Denon DL-103 or DL-103R. These in addition to those suggested by flood2.
Thank you, Mike
You're quite welcome. A lot of good suggestions here from both MM and MC camps. Good luck.
Mine, however, is an odd model originally developed for VPI that is actually a mid output (1.0 mV) version. The current HO version should sound close.
Thanks to all for your recommendations and thorough explanations.
You've given me lots of food for thought.
I am on my 2nd DV20xL and recommend putting it on your shortlist. There is a HOMC version, though I haven't tried it.I prefer the DV20 to any cart I've tried in my system over the last 25 years: Denon 103r, Benz MicroGlider, Dyna 10x, ZYX R100, Rega Exact, Sumiko Blackbird, Ortofon OM30 and a few others; can't remember them all.
I have not tried any of the AT carts people rave about on this forum but will probably go there next.
Happy Hunting.
. . . in theory, practice and theory are the same; in practice, they are different . . .
Edits: 11/17/24 11/17/24
I have used Dynavector 20xxx homc as well as a Benz-micro Glider homc. Both are very fine but just mildly over 1000. I'm using a Denon DL 103 right now and love it. See my thread that's pretty recent. Since your phono preamp takes lomc I suggest you get a Denon for less than 300 and see what you think. Some far east web salespeople will take returns. Even so, you're only out a modest amount of money. Also, several cartridge rebuilders offer special rebuilds for the Denon with exotic cantilever and stylus materials. Rebuilds plus original cost of the cartridge would be within a loud shout of 1000.
LowIQ
it is ultimately about moving tip mass, that is the key. As the market shows, there are many successful ways to handle the generated signal.
not to contradict your in process buying decision formation ,but I would suggest looking into the original moving coil design objectives.
because to me, a high output moving coil just seems like a product to fill a market demand , as it contradicts the original design objective of substituting magnets for lighter coils. Adding more coils to increase output also increases the moving mass , so it seems a regressive and illogical design direction, unless one needs to sell product, and the words "moving coil" are associated with top of market designs and will sell product by simple name association.
in the time between then and now, magnetic signal generators have advanced to become lighter, and still retain a high output punch that matches very well with popular rock and simpler less complex recordings like jazz, folk and pop. the amplification chain is much less of a heavy lift, enabling a simpler amplification , closer to the ideal concept of a straight wire with gain.
of course this does not dispute the tremendous market and performance success of high output moving coil carts, there are no arguing with results. And I am certainly not knowledgeable enough to try.
I am just a guy who has been around long enough to have collected some thoughts from others on cartridge design and thought I might help in forming a buying decision, always a tough deal when considering what some call the voice of the system. Well, that and speakers, to over simplify things
personally, I think moving iron is the best approach overall , even though it doesn't hit like a moving magnet. optical designs designs are probably now the SOTA but are still very cutting edge , and I lack both the budget and the trust to incorporate any unsettled designs into my signal chain. I buy stuff to use, not try for a while and move on
all the best with your buying decision , I hope this helps. To continue in the sprit of suggestions, the ortofon 2mblack offers a very nice tip for the money, and quality control is said to be among the most consistent in the industry. precision in construction is difficult to track, reviewers being as they are, yet it is probably the most important criteria to a satisfactory purchase.
Excellent info, beach cruiser.
I guess I'll need to do some more research lol
Although I can afford a higher end cartridge, I'd rather just buy one and be done with it. I don't have the energy to buy several cartridges and swap them out. I'm also dealing with leukemia which causes lots of fatigue.
I won't be hasty with my choice so I'll take my time and see what complements my turntable.
Regards,
Bob
if you are hesitant about changing the configuration yourself, perhaps you could find an electronic repair shop, or even a computer repair shop, since, as I understand, the task is designed to be do it yourself, so shouldn't cost much. maybe you could also give them whatever alignment tools you might have and have them install the new cart.
best of luck finalizing your buying decision, it should be very rewarding in the end.
Well...three.
Two Denons--the DL110 and the DL160--and the Dynavector 10x5.
I still have a Denon DL110 though it's not currently in service.
My favorite of the three was the DL160, which, unfortunately is no longer in production.
The DL110, though, is really close to the 160's sound.
But with a thousand dollar budget, you could look at the better Dynavectors and IIRC Hana has an HOMC that's supposed to be excellent.
The blissful counterstroke-a considerable new message.
Edits: 11/15/24
Thanks,ghost.
I'll do some research on those carts.
Bob
NT
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