What cartridge is on your Technics SL12xx ?

[cairns4me]

Been heavily researching prev posts on here & other sites attempting to summarise cartridges which we could term more or less ideally suited to SL1200/1210 MKII tables fitted with the STANDARD med' mass arm.
Not talking about the "electrical" factors of output level, inductance etc; just the issue of being "compatible" with the standard tonearm.
MM or MC-either way.
Seems most recommendations for a cart "boil down" to either OM10, DL110 or Benz Micro Gold/Silver.
Seems the bulk of other cartridges fall into the "too compliant" basket and need low-mass arm transplants to be used on the Technics.
Mind you, I am looking at EITHER brand-new, currently manufactured and average sale price up to say US/AUD $500.00 OR older pre-hugged or NOS per Ebay etc.
Understanding also that the likes of silicone damper troughs can be fitted but which other carts would then become "compatible"?
I think lots of fellow members who use SL12xx's would find this an interesting "list" so let's hear your thoughts.... Cheers

[avole]

DL103

[cairns4me]

Avole.. Hey thanks for that reminder..of course, the DL103 is also very popular with 1200/1210 users.

[jrobby]

I have used in no particular order:
Denon DL110
Nagaoka MP-110
Goldring 2400
Audio Technica OC9ML/II
Audioquest Ruby homc
and finally AT 95e

[The Walrus]

I recently changed from the Ortofon 2M Red to the Denon DL-110 and found the later to be a vast improvement.

[LPspinner]

Hi there Cairns4me (and others).
I have a stock standard SL1210 set up for transcription and vinyl transfer duties and I have found that the Ortofon 2M bronze seems to offer the best balance on sound performance, tracking ability and arm matching. This combination tracks all of my most warped LP’s without producing sub-sonic noise and also tracks the inner grooves without any HF distortion or miss-tracking artefacts on the inner grooves of the LP.

Also; some one else mentioned the ubiquitous AudioTechnica AT95E, I have one of these set up in a second head-shell for transcribing LP’s that have not enjoyed the best of care from their previous owners. The little AudioTechnica tracks like a trooper and sound’s pretty good considering its' budget origins.
You can read about my observations and experiences in a posting that was translated from our now defunct VE blog pages.

viewtopic.php?t=29061

viewtopic.php?t=29062

The links to the images no longer work since JAS had to move and re-configure the VE server but the body of the text says it all, the pictures were just for eye candy, they are still viewable in my personal album section.


LPSpinner

[robweijers]

Used on my Sl1200:

Stanton 681EEE, was just fine.
Super OM 10 and 20, inner grooves not always good.
Denon DL-160, perfect match but no longer available

Had to replace the Denon. Now spinning a few monts with a Ortofon MC3 turbo and loving it. So much that I bought 2 spare ones. Prices are increasing very fast on the Ortofon products...

[MR F]

Currently a Zu DL-103.

In the past, a ton of stuff. Denons, Nagaokas, Audio Technicas were all great for me. Stanton 681 was ok. Didn't much care for (MM) Ortofon, Goldring, Grado, certainly others I'm forgetting.

[KenCalgary]

Presently a Dynavector 20XL; have used AT 150MLX.

[LPM]

Bearing in mind that I have a KAB damper on the stock arm which might change things a bit, I now only use my Jico SAS tipped Shure cartridges (M91/5/7) by choice on an everyday basis. This is not only because I prefer their sound in general, they simply manage the most severe test tracks on my test records with at worst, very minor miss-tracking even at the recommended middle 1.25g VTF and brush up where fitted. My DL160 whilst sounding sweet, could never manage close to this even with a heavier Jelco head shell and weight, even at max recommended VTF. I can only hear it occasionally during normal play but it concerns me when it occurs and I don't plan to get a heavier arm.

You've reminded me that I have an old IEE500 with parabolic stylus on my ARXB TT that I've never tried on the 1210. Not terribly useful if I get around to it though as whilst OK, nothing out of the ordinary as I recall and pretty rare second hand.

A new Shure M97Xe plus SAS stylus certainly meets your criteria as the two parts of this combo can be readily found at under $250 total.

[thinker]

Ortofon 2M Bronze on standard Technics Headshell

I am using the auxiliary counterweight and I get a max of 1.55 grams for lower inertia.

Using Technics overhang gauge

No inner groove distortion

Height (vta) is at 2

Thanks

[Shadowman82]

I use a Ortofon 2M Blue on the standard Technics headshell .

[subcode]

I own an SL-1200Mk2 which is connected to an MF V-LPS Phono preamp.

1. Ortofon 2M Blue on Ortofon SH-4 Headshell (1.75gr / 2.2 Antiskating)

2. AT 440MLa on Technics Headshell (1.4gr / 2,6 Antiskating)

Both without IGD.

I prefer 2M Blue for it's full bodied mid-bass and punchy sound and 440mla for lower distortion and crystal clear highs.

AT440 is a slightly better tracker too.

[Hermionediamond]

I have the Technics SL-120 fitted with a Roksan Tabriz tonearm and an Ortofon 2M Red. I'm new to the vinyl game having only had my TT since Dec 2011 but I'm hooked. My music has never been so enjoyable. I've just bought an Ortofon 2M Bronze stylus and can't wait to go home and get spinning. I'll let you know what I think of the upgrade later tonight!

The Ortofon range seems popular with the Technics owners.