SL-1210 mk2 moving coil cart recommendations

[timbloke]

I've just read this thread on the subject of compliance measurements on another forum. It makes for some interesting reading:-

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl ... flup&2&4#2

[timbloke]

Thanks Resu, I was looking at the analogue depot earlier.

I can use a headshell weight on the arm to bring it to Denon's intended arm mass but I'll need to balance it out with a heavier counter-weight at the other end :/ Not so keen on mods and add-ons as I bought an SL-1210 for the minimum fuss factor.

[resu]

I've just read this thread on the subject of compliance measurements on another forum. It makes for some interesting reading:-
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl ... flup&2&4#2

Yes it does. Actually everything just now about this topic is interesting, for me at least.

The effective mass as a definition is somewhat vague, I've not found a simple and understandable explanation of it, at least not yet. But I'm inclined to think this way: "The resonance frequency formula is taken from the physics equation that measures the resonance frequency for vertical motion" (from the forum audiogon).

One point though: Someone there was comparing ZYX and DL-301. The values for ZYX were somewhat puzzling, I couldn't find such ZYX, anyway he was giving values for DL-301 but the compliance he referred is the factory specs and its given at 100Hz. So actually the compliance is more than 20 at 10Hz, maybe over 22. No wonder his woofers were flapping. He was comparing two very different carts.

One point more: Maybe this is of some help (Straight from VE Library/SL-1200II Owners manual):
Applicable cartridge weight range: 6-10g (13,5-17,5g including headshell)

With auxiliary weight: 9,5-13g (17-20,5g including headshell)
Headshell weight: 7,5
(N.B. that gives eff. arm weight without cart: 12g-7,5=4,5g)

[resu]

Not so keen on mods and add-ons as I bought an SL-1210 for the minimum fuss factor.

Maybe you could experiment at first with an improvised weight increase using a 2-4g lump of bluetack on headshell? And verifying the results with help of a test Lp (you need one of these in any case)?
Analogue Seduction sells 3g headshell weights, £15.

[timbloke]

Here's an XYZ:- http://www.stereophile.com/phonocartrid ... index.html
I'm not so sure that guy new his stuff tbh.

I'm aware that I can put weights on the tonearm to give it mass that will allow the cantilever to comply and resonate within the right frequency range, its the counter weight that bother me. Denon carts come with an extra ballast anyway, I don't know how much this weighs though.

[Alec124c41]

Te little plate with the Denon cartridges is 1/2 gram.

Cheers,
Alec

[timbloke]

Thanks Alec. half a gram ain't much! If I go the DL103 route I'll have to seek out a heavier weight. I'm still weighing up the options, Denon carts do seem like very good value for money though.

[timbloke]

I've read that the DL103 is happiest on a tonearm with a mass of around 16g but the technics arm has a mass of 12g. With the auxiliary weight attached it will balance a maximum of 13g. The DL103 is 8.5g so adding another 4 grams of mass to the headshell to bring the arm up to the required 16g will mean 12.5g to be balanced. This should mean the standard Technics EPA-120 should tame the DL103 without any modification other than a heavier headshell or a 4g weight.

[resu]

I think I'd do just that. The original headshell weights 7,5g and if I bought say a 12g Sumiko headshell I'd have 16,5g eff.arm mass that should give me about 11Hz arm resonance with DL-103. If that wouldn't be enough I could acquire a 3g headshell weight and that should maybe do it.

Here's a link to Sumiko HS-12:
http://www.analogueseduction.net/produc ... ell_SUM-HS

And I could perhaps do it but just now I'm inclined towards a safer tracker that means also a more expensive one, at least AT-F7 or even DV-20XL2...Anyway it's still a bit open as I'm in the middle of the process of changing my set up. I at last get my brand new SL-1200II and then I start trying to sell my old Rega P9.

[MR F]

I have used several varieties of the DL-103 on my SL-1200 (standard, wood-bodied, Zu), results have been very good in my opinion. The stock 103 performs better with a heavier headshell and/or spacer weight. Also, unless you're using a very thick mat, you may have trouble getting proper VTA (doesn't go low enough with the 1/4" Technics mat). A spacer weight is handy here too. I was able to use a Sumiko headshell and 3g copper spacer by measuring tracking force with a scale (arm cannot balance with all this weight), but it sounded quite good to my ears. Not as good as the Zu, that thing is a ballbreaker. Highly recommended if you can spring for it (and the appropriate SUT/preamp to make it sing)

[Alec124c41]

The Sumiko/Jelco HS-12 is about 11 grams. The HS-20 is about 16 grams. Both excellent.

Cheers,
Alec

[resu]

Thanks Alec. After a little bit of googling around I found the exact value: Sumiko HS-12 Headshell weight: 11.396g .
Couldn't find HS-20 as easily so I gave up.
However, the Zupreme headshell with headshell wires included weigh 12 grams.

Now we can calm down and start planning the next mod