hamilton@brahms.udel.edu (Andrew W Hamilton) (03/09/91)
I have been thinking about taking the plunge and buying a moving coil cartridge. One thing I am concerned about is compatibility with my tonearm. Right now, I am using a Shure V-15 VMR-LE, so I really don't have to worry about compatibility (The V-15 is essentially compatible in the mechanical sense with any arm - sonically may be a different matter!). Are most cartridges made today compatible with pretty much any arm? Or do I still have to mess around with compliance, effective mass, and all those other things which I've never really understood? What are some of the rules one should follow when matching the cartridge and arm? And does anyone have any specific advice for my particular tonearm - the Linn Basik? Hell, while were at it, if you want to recommend MC carts in the up-to-$250 range I'd appreciate it. Thanks J. P. Grenert (yes, I am borrowing an account) hamilton@brahms.udel.edu
hull%janus.Berkeley.EDU@ucbvax.Berkeley.EDU (Christopher Hull) (03/14/91)
In general, one needs to consider the interaction of the mass of the arm/cartridge combination in conjunction with the compliance of the cartridge. A low mass arm will not work with a stiff moving coil cartridge. Likewise, a high mass arm will not work with a compliant moving coil. The linn-basik is a low-medium mass arm. Threrfore, it may have trouble with some of the more low compliance (stiff) moving coil cartridges. Check the compliance rating and make sure in is > 20 (dyne/cm?). If so you will be o.k. If it is less then 15 , don't use it with the Basik. Chris Hull