I think the time has come to replace my cartridge. Like me, it is getting long in the tooth! To be honest I am not sure whether the cartridge is just worn out, or whether my ears are playing games with me. My vinyl sounds less intense/sparkly/involving/smile-inducing than it used to. And I have bought 20 new vinyls recently and don't want to permanently mess them up if cart is now dying. As well as my existing stock of about 800 frisbees...
I want to take advantage of all the forumites' years of experience!
Bought new via Linn dealer in JHB way back when (late 1980s or early 1990s?):
Turntable: LP12 with Valhalla, with Sirkus and Trampolin mods in about 1993. Last serviced about 6 months ago - so it already has new belt, new springs and associated rubber grommet/thingamebobs. It bounces nice and evenly. Otherwise standard with lid, all mounted on wall rack.
Arm: silver Ittok (LV-II I think?). Standard cabling.
Cartridge: Audio Technica AT-OC9 (the original one). Very carefully used: no funny solvents for cleaning, only a Audio Technica vibrating pad thing.
Pre-amp: Audiolab 8000C (has switchable MM/MM phono stage)
Now it splits into 2 systems:
(1) casual listening: receiver Yamaha RX-V2067 mostly played as 5.2 into bi-amped Linn Kaber front speakers, Sonus Faber 'The Wall' black leather surround pair, von Schweikert VR-9 centre, with pair of Boston PV-1000 subs
(2) stereo only: pair of Steinhart 200W valve monoblocs feeding Apogee Caliper Signature planar speakers.
(my digital front ends are Opp BDP-83SE and Theta Data II transport with Theta DS Pro Prime DAC)
So what should I look at as a replacement? I play 40% prog rock/rock/pop, 25% odd stuff like Windham Hill/Vollenweider/instrumental/folk, 25% classical, 10% jazz/blues.
Budget: Here it gets tricky. I know it is false economy to buy a cheap MM, but I really do not have R5k and up to spend on a half-way proper MC.
So what do I do to get the best performing/sounding cartridge for the least money? (some Scottish ancestry showing - sorry!). I live in JHB.
I want to take advantage of all the forumites' years of experience!
Bought new via Linn dealer in JHB way back when (late 1980s or early 1990s?):
Turntable: LP12 with Valhalla, with Sirkus and Trampolin mods in about 1993. Last serviced about 6 months ago - so it already has new belt, new springs and associated rubber grommet/thingamebobs. It bounces nice and evenly. Otherwise standard with lid, all mounted on wall rack.
Arm: silver Ittok (LV-II I think?). Standard cabling.
Cartridge: Audio Technica AT-OC9 (the original one). Very carefully used: no funny solvents for cleaning, only a Audio Technica vibrating pad thing.
Pre-amp: Audiolab 8000C (has switchable MM/MM phono stage)
Now it splits into 2 systems:
(1) casual listening: receiver Yamaha RX-V2067 mostly played as 5.2 into bi-amped Linn Kaber front speakers, Sonus Faber 'The Wall' black leather surround pair, von Schweikert VR-9 centre, with pair of Boston PV-1000 subs
(2) stereo only: pair of Steinhart 200W valve monoblocs feeding Apogee Caliper Signature planar speakers.
(my digital front ends are Opp BDP-83SE and Theta Data II transport with Theta DS Pro Prime DAC)
So what should I look at as a replacement? I play 40% prog rock/rock/pop, 25% odd stuff like Windham Hill/Vollenweider/instrumental/folk, 25% classical, 10% jazz/blues.
Budget: Here it gets tricky. I know it is false economy to buy a cheap MM, but I really do not have R5k and up to spend on a half-way proper MC.
So what do I do to get the best performing/sounding cartridge for the least money? (some Scottish ancestry showing - sorry!). I live in JHB.
