new cartridge question

Hi!

People have commented that my cart is on the way out.

It is a Ort Kont A.


No point in getting it re-tipped. That'll cost £200+, and you can get a new one for 418 Euros (about £240).

Anyone had the chance to compare the following carts?

Ort Kont A
Sumiko BPS
Dyna 10x5

Also, how cheap is it to change a needle in a MM cart?

I thought the clearaudio aurum alpha was good enough when I heard it.

And, does changing the needle in a MM ever go pear shaped?




Over to the people who have been using vinyl longer than me!!





***edit*** forgot to add, Im spending minimum bucks this year, so 500 quid cartridges are out!!

 

I was well impressed with the Sumiko BPS evoIII, wish I'd kept it. Full bodied alive sound, maybe a wee bit hard in treble bu very enjoyable.

Didn't like the Clearaudio MM cartridge I tried, sounded like CD!

 

did you get the chance to compare it to any of the others Alan?

Also, I noticed on PFM you've gone for the glider (and had problems I know).

I've seen a dirt cheap glider L2 (about £250) - which puts it in the same price bracket as the others.

How did you think it compared to the BPS EvoIII and do you think the problem was cart based, or arm/cable based?

Cheers
Chris

 

Given that I've still got the problem despite trying 3 different new carts, We're pretty sure its not the cartridges. Suspicion is now on arm/cable, so Jonnie of Audioorigami is going to have a look for me when I can get it through to Glasgow.

The Benz is better than the BPS, not much in it, but definitely more refined and a little bit sweeter. But only had it working for 7 or 8 hours before my problem kicked in so it was still running in.

 

anybody else got comment on cartridges in the £200-£300 price range?

 

Have you ever tried a 103 Chris? You could get an R or even a Pro for £250. I really like them, they don't quite have the dynamics of a Lyra, but they are stunning in many ways. The straight 103 is cheap as well

 

Hi LS

never tried one.

I know it has a good reputation, but does it really compete against dearer carts like a Kont A or a Benz Glider?

Would be interested if anyones done comparisons..

 

Hi Chris,

Changing the needle on an MM is pretty straightforward and stress free, but not on a Clearaudio ... they don't have replaceable styli and are like MCs in that respect.

The cost of replacing an MM stylus as opposed to the whole shebang is usually about 80% of the total - but that varies with make and model.

I've had a brief listen to a BPS on a Radius and spent a fair bit of time with the Kontrapunkt A and preferred the Kontrapunkt, but the BPS wasn't bad at all, just slightly more forward. Horses for courses. Only ever heard good things re the Dynavector ... but have only heard about it, not actually heard it.

Just to check though the Ortofon is low ouput the other two are high output. Presumably your preamp covers both bases.

 

Overall pretty positive then. Was this the Ace or the Glider you were using?

PS. If Johnny can't sort it out, no man can

 

In that case, it seems not worth picking between MM and MC on a rebuild basis, you might as well buy the best cartridge you can, disregarding re-build/repair costs.

 

Possibly ... like I said it depends on the make and model.

One thing the changeable stylus is handy for is reducing the sweats when fitting and fiddling. (and allows replacement without resorting to realignment)

Generally though, yes, I'd agree with you.

Exchange prices are worth taking into consideration if you have found a make and model you want to stick with and Exchange is offered (which it often is)

 

sorry if i make a sugestion on this thread, audio tech. at. oc9 m.m is one of the best value per sound in my oppinion, regards.

 

Hi bottleneck.
I have just had a brand new 10X5 fited to my LP12/Ittok. Never heard the others you are interested in so can't give any objective advice. All I can say is the Dynavector is a fine cartridge. I see you are in Bucks which is not so far away so if you wanted to come and have a listen, you would be welcome.

 

I like Benz. Great VFM! Try a new ACE or 2nd hand Glider/Wood and don't ever look back!

 

Uncle, for what is worth, I am using a BPS EvoIII on my Spacedeck and I am very happy with it. It has a naked body so one must be extremely careful setting it up. From then on, it's been pretty plain sailing.

Soundwise I think it is excellent particularly in the bass clarity. I think the kontrapuncts are a bit drier to my ears. I have heard a Glider but it was on an Orbe rather than my own setup. It sounded very good and I think it is more refined, not sure if it has the same bottom end as the bps but it may be the deck rather than the cart.

I also heard good things about the dynavectors, but unfortunately have not heard any yet. Lyra Dorians also seem to have a lot of good press but they are dearer and perhaps a bit analytic.

HTH,
Jack

 

What Phono Stage Do You Use, Almost Most Of M.c. Cart's Are Best Used Nearer 1.9 Grams Regardless Of Manufacturers Advice ,also Room Temperature At Aprox. 27, Degrres , Loading Ideally Should Be 100 Ohms, For All Is Worth, Nando

 

I'm using the Dorian now and I had the 103 before. The Dorian's better no doubt, but if I couldn't afford another in a couple of years time I'd put a 103 back on. It does most of what the Dorian does, but not with quite as much style. Then again you can get a a lot of records with £400. If I wanted a cheap cart I'd get another and not feel too cheated.

 

ear 834p

cheers
c

 

Guess you ain't interested then?

 

Hi,

Two or three Denon DL-103.

Most sub £ 1,000 MC's do not provide a truely material improvement over it, the majority of them is just different and often less consistent from LP to LP due to stupid choice of stylus shape (eg hyper elliptical/fineline/et al).

Ciao T