[net.audio] phono cartridge question

etan@tellab1.UUCP (Nate Stelton) (10/25/84)

My stylus has just about had it, but before I replace it, I would like to
solicit some opinions about two questions I have.  I presently have a
V15 type III cartridge using a conical stylus.

1.  Should I replace the cartridge with something more updated?  Are they
really getting that much better?  I want good sound, but I wouldn't want
to spend much more than $100 for a replacement cartridge.

2.  I heard it said that a conical stylus does not provide the frequency
response and separation of an elliptical, but causes less wear to the
records.  Is this true?

Thanks in advance for any help from anyone.

                                 -etan  (...inhp4!tellab1!etan )

herbie@watdcsu.UUCP (Herb Chong, Computing Services) (10/26/84)

As far as it went, the V15 III was a good cartridge for its day.  If you want
to stay with the Type III, you should consider getting the HE stylus for it.
The improvement in sound is not THAT great, but it will save on record
wear and track the high frequencies better.  Unfortunately, your records
may have suffered some damage in that area because of the conical (Type B)
stylus.  As far as a new cartridge is concerned, if you have a reasonable
quality turntable and phono equalizer stage, I am of the personal opinion
that you would be better off to overspend than underspend on a phono cartridge.
You may want to consider the V15 Type V if you like Shure cartridges.  There
is always the F9 Ruby.  Other than that, my personal favorites are low output
moving coil cartridges which require a step-up device.  This can easily double
the cost of the upgrade.

Herb...

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