Recommended cartridge for Thorens with AudioCraft tonearm?

by **karvid** » 12 May 2004 21:34

Hello,
is there any recommendations for a Thorens TD160 Super with an AudioCraft AC300 tonearm? (uses ClearAudio Basic phonostage).

I just started with buying an ClearAudio Virtuosio "wood" MM cartridge.
I just love the sound :lol:

, but since I don't have any references I would like your ideas on this... :wink:

Can the performance increase even further with an other Cartridge and if so which one (within reasonable price)?

by **StephDale** » 12 May 2004 23:45

Looks like a case of upgradeitis to me!

I like Clearaudio cartridges, though I'm not familiar with your tonearm. I'd suggest that you get your deck set up or upgraded as you want before thinking about a better/different cartridge.

If you change the whole lot in one goyou won't be able to tell where the improvement/change came from :wink:

And if you like the sound; why bother?

Steph

p.s. I haven't really thought about what cartridge to put on my Thorens TD160-S, though as it's got an SME IV tonearm I suppose I've got a pretty wide choice. Sumiko Blackbird appeals though...

by **karvid** » 13 May 2004 18:08

Steph,

you are a vice guy! I will follow your advice...
:roll:

Do you use anything to clean your cartridge with and how long can I expect the needle to last? :twisted:

Enjoy the music...
Kenneth

by **StephDale** » 13 May 2004 22:01

Yeah, I sometimes use a stylus cleaner (the one from Russ Andrews)...
My records are kept clean and most are brushed before use too :wink:

According to the rough sums I did; the Sumiko Blue Point Special I'm currently using will last about five years before needing replacement.

18 months to go.. :shock:

So: replace the belt every two years or so, cartridge/stylus every five years, and check the main bearing ubrication annually... If all is okay do an oil change when you change the cartridge/stylus.

There we are: Easy peasy with a Thorens TD160... :wink:

Steph

by **sreten** » 16 May 2004 11:30

The Clearaudio cartridges appear to have an extended contact tip from
some tip specifications I've seen, and recommended tracking weights,
which means they will last more than twice as long as an elliptical tip.

The "Wood" is way over budget for a TD160S / Audiocraft combination,
so I see little point in changing it, or "upgrading" it, no good reason to.

Stylus life is very difficult to pin down, depending on so many factors,
but I'd say for the ClearAudio tracking at 2.2g say ~ 3.5 K hours.

sreten.

by **karvid** » 16 May 2004 13:34

sreten,
Thanks for your reply.
You confirm what I expected. The ClearAudio Virtuosio "wood" are a really good cartridge! When I used it on my earlier Technics SL-221 it really lifted it up to a level I though was impossible... The only tweak I did was reduce the vibrations in the table disc and bearing and put on BulletPlugs on the cables.

And now on the TD160-S with the AudioCraft tonearm it performed even better!! I did the same tweak as on the Technics incl BulletPlugs.
The AudioCraft AC300 tonearm seems to be among the best arms I heard (not with the same cartridge installed though).. As you might know it's a one point supported viscous damped arm. I heard they where to expensive to manufacture thats why the stopped making them. The arm is a bit difficult to setup though, since the arm is so sensitive! :shock:

I have ordered new driving belt and Linn LP12 suspension springs. Together with the extra damping on the table disc, chassi plate and my new table mat (spot mat of cork). I hope I will be happy with the turntable after these tweak for quit some time..