garrard 401 - thorens td150

[b6ave]

Sorry to sound stupid but what's the difference between a stylus an cartridge ?

Thanks mike

[krenzler]

Moving Magnet type cartridges have a removable front part that can be pulled out from the rest of the body. This is the stylus assembly. So when the diamond tip is worn it can be exchanged with a new one. So the cartridge is the whole thing (body plus stylus).

The more expensive Moving Coil type cartridges don't have this convenience with a removable front part so in this case you either buy a whole new cartridge or send it off to specialists who then replaces the diamond for you.

[b6ave]

I've spoken to sme an have now found out that my tone arm is a 3009 series 2 original which is great as I can download the manual an fit it when my garrard arrives. I was just wondering if this is a good model an what noticeable mods can be done to improve it. Or whether to leave it alone until I can afford to get a better arm.

Thanks

Mike

[krenzler]

The Series II (non-improved) is generally thought more desirable than the later "Improved" and is also much better suited to mate with MC cartridges like Denon 103 and Ortofon SPU.

http://www.analogue-classics.com/html/s ... _3012.html

[b6ave]

What is my current cartridge then ? Would you stil suggest the jello or going for a whole new cartridge ?

Thanks

Mike

[b6ave]

Mine is the fixed head version. There's no finger lift are these easy to find an install ?

Thanks

Mike

[krenzler]

OK fixed head then it IS an Improved - the regular Series II only came with detachable headshell (see link in my previous post). Then you should stay with an MM type cartridge. Your Shure M75 fitted with Jico SAS stylus would be a fine match for relatively little cost. Or maybe try one of the cheaper models from the Nagaoka MP line that many seem to like.

[b6ave]

Cool thanks. Is it best to get it from the link you sent me. An how easy is it to change ?

Thanks

[b6ave]

Also the link you sent says n75 an not m75 is that correct ?

Thanks

Mike

[Eoin]

Did you find that eBay ad after I mention inspire hifi? Thought that looked like a good buy, but I didn't expect you to buy the whole thing!

I think your best option is to get your existing SME 3009 working well on it without going mad on upgrades with a good cartridge (don't know which one). Personally I wouldn't bother with upgrading that, just get it working well and see how you go.

If you're anywhere near inspire hifi maybe you could take your sme over to them to get it fitted then drive back. I expect they could sort you out with a good cartridge as well. Perhaps they'd be interested in your other 401?

Getting your deck, arm and cartridge working well and properly setup will be more important than upgrading or buying say a more expensive arm.

[b6ave]

Hello there.

Yeah as soon as I saw it an the price I thought it was a bargaIn as I got quoted more than that for just the plinth else where. Sadly Im quite a distance from them so going to have to set it up myself. They did recommend an Ortofon 2m blue for my arm. If you or anyone else can back that up at all.

Thanks,

Mike

[Boukman]

I am not crazy about the 2M Blue..... I have a 2M Black which is awesome but also expensive. More budget MM carts or High Output MC's that are better than the Blue can be found. I would look at either Nagaoka MM's, or the Denon 110 or SAE1000 MC's. These MC's work well on an MM phono stage

[b6ave]

My phono stage is a dynavector p75mk 2 So I could have mm or mc. I reckon my budget is £200 for a cartridge. So for that am I best upgrading the stylus on my shure as suggested or is there
Something much better for that price ?

Thanks

Mike

[b6ave]

What do you reckon ?