[net.audio] Seeking Advice on Cartridges

grw@inmet.UUCP (12/17/83)

#N:inmet:2600023:000:644
inmet!grw    Dec 15 11:34:00 1983


	I am planning to purchase a Denon DP15 turntable and a good
	quality cartridge within a few weeks.  I am currently trying
	to decide whether to purchase a (near the) top of the line
	Signet, the TK7ea, or the top of the line Shure, the V15 Type
	5 MW.  I would like some feedback on the merits of either of
	these cartridges including comparison info from any of you
	who may have auditioned both.  I have a TK5 on my turntable
	now and I like its sound (I am partial to bright sounding
	cartridges).

	Opinions anyone?
					-- Gary Wasserman
					...harpo!inmet!grw
					...hplabs!sri-unix!cca!ima!inmet!grw
					...yale-comix!ima!inmet!grw

tpchmara@wateng.UUCP (Tom Chmara) (12/19/83)

I just purchased a Pickering XSV-4000 cartridge for my (gaak!) JVC turntable --
a QLY-3F.  This cartridge replaces a Signet TK5E which I bought with the
turntable.  My choice was based on the following criteria:
    a)  I needed a non-high-compliance cartridge (not an ultra-low mass arm)
    b)  I like a crisp sound -- wire brushes and violins should SOUND like
                                wire brushes and violins, NOT dying cats.
    c)  My budget was limited (<$200 Cdn) -- eliminating the Grace F9E Ruby,
        etc.
I listened to a $150 Grado ( sorry, no model # ) and a Fidelity Research,
and considered a higher-order Signet.  I decided on the Pickering based on
what I heard in the store and again when I brought it home.  I have been
very favourably impressed ever since.  It is FLAT in response, with no sharp
edges.  A warning--it hides nothing.  Bad pressings sound just plain bad,
whereas the Signet covered a bit of that up.
   I make no claims to be an audiophile, I just know what I like.  You are
free to ignore or use any of this (as you will, anyway). Good luck in your
search.
    From the unbelievably biased desk of
        ---tpc---   @  University of Waterloo