schachte@ittvax.UUCP (Peter Schachte) (05/14/85)
It's time to replace my phono cartridge. I've been using an Audio Technica cartridge, and have been fairly happy with it. Now that it is time to replace it, though, I want to consider all alternatives. So my questions are: Are Shibata (sp) cartridges just a gimmick? What is a good cartridge in the < $100 range (discounted)? What is a good mail-order house (reliable, trustworthy, cheap)? Thanks in advance for any info. -- Peter Schachte (decvax!ittvax!schachte)
ben@moncol.UUCP (Bennett Broder) (05/17/85)
>Are Shibata (sp) cartridges just a gimmick?
No, but they are one of the older line contact designs. This type of
stylus is supposed to be similar in shape to the one that cut the
record, giving more groove contact area and hence less record wear at
a given tracking force. Also, as the stylus wears, the tip radius
remains relatively constant, something not true of elliptical ones.
I prefer the newest line contact shape, the micro ridge.
Ben Broder
..ihnp4!princeton!moncol!ben
..vax135!petsd!moncol!ben
..pesnta!moncol!benknf@druxo.UUCP (FricklasK) (06/01/85)
Two of the newer (last 2-3 years) types of stylii that have been
sold are the Van Der Hul, used by several manufacturer, and the
Micro-ridge, developed by Shure (in the V15MR). These both do not
go as deeply into the groove as a shibata- The problems with shibata
stylii is that they go TOO deep into the groove, often stretching
the walls of the vinyl on the record and causing overheating. The
new designs are the same shape as the cutting lathe but a little
flatter, so they have the same or better responsiveness and do less
damage (and pick up less dust) than Shibatas. I recommend most highly
the Shure V15MR-- it sound as good as about anything but a Koetsu or
a (properly working) Monster Cable cartridge at a FAR lower price (it
can be had mail order for $120-150.00).
`'`'`'`'`'`'
Ken F.
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