Cartridge/headshell questions..

[tlzook]

I'm needing some advice please. I have 2 cartridges that need a new stylus, which should I replace that would better match my table. Pioneer PL-707 currently running a Signet MR 5e. I also have a Pickering XSV 3000 which I could swap in. Looking at sub $100 replacement stylus for the M/M options above. I know how the Signet is with the Pioneer but I have no experience with the Pick and need some guidance, only want to get one stylus..
What headshells can I use with this table (has socket on the headshell side that goes over the tube, not into the socket on the arm). Will be buying a M/C cartridge to see how that sounds with the rest of my system down the road and a second headshell would be handy for comparing. Suggestions for a starting point for the M/C with this table would be appreciated. Sub $200 for the M/C Cart..
Thanks, Scott

[dlaloum]

Two very nice cartridges!

Both currently undervalued

Stanton/Pickering have dropped out of the audiophile market - but there are a number of well regarded styli
http://www.lpgear.com/product/PICKSXSV3000.html
http://www.turntableneedles.com/search. ... &search=GO

The Signet is a close relative of the current AT150ea

and you can still get styli for it:
http://www.turntableneedles.com/Signet- ... _1842.html

A more expensive alternative for either of these (and a very high performance alternative) - is to send the cartridge with the old broken/worn stylus to one of the retippers - for $150, they will fit a new cantilever, suspension and needle.
Reviews of this type of treatment usually report it sounding better than new.

on a tight budget, and knowing you like the signet, the new needle for the MR5e is a safe bet.

The Pickering has a different voicing - so if you want something a little different for a change - go down that path - the vividline styli also have a good reputation, and should be a good match for your arm/table.

For an MC, I would look for one of the higher compliance designs as that seems to be a relatively light arm - so something like a Dynavector perhaps.

You could also look at something from the Grado range - even the lowly Prestige series can be upgraded to very high performance with the right stylus (MCZ, 8MZ, TLZ) - and look at the Cartridgeman's Musicmaker cartridges for what sort of potential the prestige series have! (competes with high end MC designs)

I would expect a Grado to match well with your arm/TT too.

Bye for now

David

[Slem]

I recovered a Kenwood KD-52 turntable with an N-52 cartridge. The stylus appears to be bad. I cannot figure out how to separate the stylus from the cart. tho only manual on vinylengine is in German. I removed the head from the tone arm. I can see how to remove the cart by removing two screws and 4 wires. However pulling on the blue needle holder either forwards or down doesn't seem to do anything. Suggestions?

I thought about replacing the entire cart but I am not sure what type it uses.

Thanks.

[Alec124c41]

Kenwood KD52F manual: http://www.vinylengine.com/library/kenwood/kd-52f.shtml

Cheers,
Alec

[lini]

Slem: That Kenwood cart should be an Audio Technica AT3400 family oem variant. Its needle should basically looks like this: http://www.turntableneedles.com/ATN95E- ... p_651.html Now, if you move the mouse over the pic, the rotating view should appear - then you can see the inside with the rectangular "plug" that goes into the body. So to remove the needle you'd basically pull at the needle holder along the vertical axis of that plug, which in this case would be mainly downward and a bit to towards the rear end.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

P.S.: Btw, there are hyperelliptical and Shibata 3rd party upgrade needles for that AT body type, which could be a good idea to consider in your case... And in case you'd like to spend less, you could of course also replace the original needle with a new, original ATN95E.