wjm@lcuxc.UUCP (B. Mitchell) (01/15/85)
<gulp,gulp,gulp,MUNCH>
In general, MC cartridges tend to be better performers than the MM variety,
which is why audiophiles have put up with their bad points - low output
requiring a step up device (head amp or transformer), stylus not user
replaceable, and somewhat higher tracking force needs than some MM designs
(but better tracking ability than most MM's).
However, like most "rules" in hi-fi, there are some exceptions:
1. There are some bad MC cartridges out there - not all MCs are great. In
particular there are some MMs that are better than MCs in the under $200 class.
2. The Shure V-15VMR is an outstanding cartridge, especially at its discounted
price of $125-150 from mail order houses. Since it is an MM, you can change
the stylus, and you don't need a step up device, yet it outperforms any
cartridge that I know of selling for under $300 or so, MM or MC.
3. There are some "high output" MC cartridges that do not require step-up
devices, but I think the Shure V-15VMR outperforms any of them.
Therefore my recommendations are,
If you are looking for a cartridge that sells for under $300, go with the
Shure V15-VMR (be sure to get the MR version, earlier V15-V's were not as good)
Otherwise, look at a high end ($300 to 500) MC like the Denons or Dynavectors,
IF you have a top-of-the-line turntable and arm that can take advantage of them
AND feel their superior performance warrants the additional cash (this may be
true if you have a high-end system).
Regards,
Bill Mitchell ({ihnp4!}lcuxc!wjm)ron@brl-tgr.ARPA (Ron Natalie <ron>) (01/18/85)
> 2. The Shure V-15VMR is an outstanding cartridge, especially at its discounted > price of $125-150 from mail order houses. Since it is an MM, you can change > the stylus, and you don't need a step up device, yet it outperforms any > cartridge that I know of selling for under $300 or so, MM or MC. The Shure V-15 is a moving nail cartridge. I use it in the same application that I use the Stanton 680EL Disco-Duty cartridge. Even my lowly $125 Micro- Acoustics sound better than these. -Ron
mikey@trsvax.UUCP (01/18/85)
Thanks for the recomendation, but I think you'll find that cartridges are second only to speakers in terms of personal taste in the type of sound you want. I do like the high end Shure, better than most of the other stuff some stores have tried to sell me, but I bought a B&O MMC4000 a few years ago that I STILL like. Even though the specs back then said it was OK but not great, and the high end is a little subdued, it has a clarity that is hard to describe. I does have it's disadvantages, like non-removable stylus and special mounting shell, but I was willing to put up with it. Eventually, I plan to get a new turntable, and then maybe upgrade my cartridge, but new speakers are currently next on the list, so you see, the cartridge is still far away. mikey at trsvax
jj@alice.UUCP (01/20/85)
Heidy ho, Ron, you say that a V15VMR is a moving nail. You vilify it without (apparant) thought or explaination. Ok, Ron, what's WRONG with it. Why does it wreck records? That's what a moving nail does, Ron. P.S. I don't own one. -- TEDDY BEARS PROTECT PENGUINS FROM WALRUSES "I wish I was home again, back home in my heart again, it's been such a time since my heart's home to me. ..." (allegra,harpo,ulysses)!alice!jj