New cartridge advice welcomed.

[Bazz1960]

Hello all,
After a long interlude (due to getting married, moving house, etc) I have decided to dig out my vinyl collection and start playing them again.

Sadly, for whatever reason. I don't really like the sound of my system any more.

On playing the first LP (after a long layoff) it just sounded very bright to me.
After quite a few more LPs, it STILL sounds bright and lacking in bass.

In case it's relevant, I listen mostly to 70-80s rock/pop, am not into jazz at all.

So, I'm looking for a bit more oomph to the bass, mostly. Also, I'm not after a 'laid-back' sound, maybe a little 'fuller' would be nice.

I'm thinking the simplest way to achieve this is to change the cartridge.
The K9 was only originally intended to be a stop-gap anyhow, it just didn't turn out that way.

Since I moved, there's no decent HiFi shop near me, so to get me started I would welcome any suggestions. I dont have a huge budget, but as I intend the next change to last me a long time so I'd spend up to about 350 pounds if necessary, although of course I'm quite happy to spend less (or even a little more)!

You advice may not even be to change the cartridge. If so, I'd still like to hear it!

Thanks.

My system is:
Linn LP12/Lingo/LVX/K9
Naim 72/140
Linn Keilidh

All of these components would date back to mid-late 1980s

[raphaelmabo]

Well, the Sumiko Pearl was the answer for me to get a fuller and not over-bright sound.
I listen to pop, disco, reggae and singer-songwriter 70's to 90's.

[bauzace50]

+1 for the Sumiko Pearl. You can also consider the Shure M97xE, with that "laid back" sound signature.

Regards,
bauzace50

[Trackside]

just to be sure it is the cartridge that is at fault - do you have other sources ( CD/Radio) playing through the amp and speakers that sound OK? -

[Bazz1960]

just to be sure it is the cartridge that is at fault - do you have other sources ( CD/Radio) playing through the amp and speakers that sound OK? -

Good question. I finally got round to playing one of my few CDs. It sounded pretty decent, certainly not over-bright. The bass was adequate too, although my system never could have been described as "bass-heavy".

So, I don't think anything is wrong; just my hearing or listening tastes have changed a bit.

Maybe ultimately I should change the speakers (maybe even try a 2.1 setup).

However for now I think a cartridge change would keep me happy.

[Bazz1960]

Well, the Sumiko Pearl was the answer for me to get a fuller and not over-bright sound.
I listen to pop, disco, reggae and singer-songwriter 70's to 90's.

+1 for the Sumiko Pearl. You can also consider the Shure M97xE, with that "laid back" sound signature.

Regards,
bauzace50

Thanks guys, I'd never heard of that one! It does seem to be worthy of consideration. On Googling for it I found some good reviews (and of course, a few not-so-good, but nothing's perfect, and it's nice and cheap too).

Another cartridge that seems to be recommended quite often is the Denon 110. Has anyone got any idea how this compares with the K9? Or should I even consider it for rock/pop?

[jackfish]

I'd get a Nagaoka MP-110 before a Sumiko Pearl anyday. If you have 350 pounds to spend you can go up the Nagaoka line until you get to the MP-300, but the MP-200 is an outstanding cartridge.

[johnnywalker]

I have both the Nagaoka MP-110 and the Denon DL-110, and use them both (I have a Technics TT and can change carts "on the fly"). I use the Denon for classical music; it has a flat frequency response with an airy, extended high end without brightness or harshness, and excellent detail. I use the Nagaoka for almost everything else; it also has a flat frequency response, but lacks the Denon's airy high end. It does, however, have a tube-amp-type warmth that the Denon lacks, and it is the best cart I've ever used for accurate reproduction of vocals. I am not familiar with the K9 so I can't compare either one with it - sorry.

[freefallrob]

The K9 is okay, sounds fine on the Basik Plus (the updated version of the LVX), I have lived with the combination on a Heybrook TT2.

However, the Goldring 1006 or 1012GX is MUCH better (tracking and dynamics) and suits the arm nicely and fits the headshell, be careful as some designs like the Ortofon 2M don't really fit well with the correct alignment due to the size of the body.

The AT120e/t works well to, but has a brighter sound.

[HT Performance]

I'd get a Nagaoka MP-110 before a Sumiko Pearl anyday. If you have 350 pounds to spend you can go up the Nagaoka line until you get to the MP-300, but the MP-200 is an outstanding cartridge.

I´m with this one!

Nagaoka are very good genuine Japanese performers.

They are known for their rich bass!

You really want one!


Cheers,

Miguel

[duficity]

I would look at the Dynavector 10x5 or Ortofon 2c Black. Both excellent cartridges for the money.

[jrobby]

If you want more bass and a wider soundstage go with the Denon DL-110. It works great with rock and pop. And the price is right.

[Bazz1960]

Hello all,

Thanks for all the great suggestions you gave here. I went for the Denon DL-110 in the end, and it sounds great.

I was tempted by the Nagaoka 110 though. If I ever find a spare headshell for my LVX I may just try it out sometime too, but I'd forgotten how tricky it could be to change cartridges (damn those fiddly leads ).

Now, if anyone needs a K9 cartridge, or just the stylus (hardly used) let me know. I'll pop on occasionally.

Anyhow, must change the record!

Bye

[Bazz1960]

Hello again!

It seems that somebody would like to give my K9 a home
Sadly it seems I can't send PMs yet. So, if the aforementioned person would like to PM me again with an email address, I'll arrange something.

Thanks