Bomber Rock Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I have just purchased this tone arm http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/56861-sold-rega-rb900rb307-oem-tonearm/ to put on my Technics 1210 turntable and i now would like to try a better cartridge. What are your thoughts regarding cartridge selection? Should i focus on carts known to match the turntable or those knows to match the tone arm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JohnA Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 With arm mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djb Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 johnA ditto Very few reviewers/commentators will relate a cart with a TT Almost sways the direct link between cart nad arm are the only things mentioned Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Muon Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I'll go along with the two esteemed gentlemen above, and say match with the arm. Not that the reinforcement is needed or anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bomber Rock Posted October 30, 2013 Author Share Posted October 30, 2013 Well that was definitive. So the next question then is, should I be looking to get the best cart I can afford, or is there recommended spending ratios similar to the recommended speakers:amplification:source spending ratios? Is it possible to over capitalise on a cart based on the rest of my setup? Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Muon Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 (edited) The best cart for that arm, I guess. What phono stage do you have? AS if the phono stage is a relatively low level performer, you might be better sharing the budget between cart and phono stage upgrade. Edited October 30, 2013 by ortofun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hensa Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 (edited) The Ortofon 2M series mate well with the Rega arms, though I'm not familiar with that Rega arm variant. For an MC option, the Benz-Micro Ace sounded superb on an Audio Note modified Rega RB-300. Of course, there is always the option to go with one of the Rega cartridges. Edited October 30, 2013 by Hensa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheekyboy Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 (edited) Hi Shannon, As others have said here, mate, you should be matching the cartridge to your tonearm, not the turntable. An Ortofon 2M Black would be a nice fit for that arm if you're wanting a good MM or a Denon 103R will work as well if wanting a good LOMC. If you want a hand with the set up, just drop me a PM. Cheers, Keith Edited October 30, 2013 by cheekyboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djb Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 Generally speaking you can over capitalize a $1k cart on an old pioneer clunker from ebay. Won't pay dividends Another way to put it is that a TT is a mechanical device and all it's components need to be quality to produce decent sound quality As mentioned above a poor phono stage can let down your otherwise quality rig My fiddling says each of these needs to be of closely matched quality value for full effect Spinner Tonearm Cart Phono stage SUT/head amp Did you pick where I copped out? Yeah I didn't define "matched quality value" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pulinap Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 There is a nice calculator in Vinyl Engine to calculate the compliance.....so you can see whether a particular cart would match with your arm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ophool Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I think with that arm on the SL 1200 you will not be too restricted as to cartridge choice. I am aware of one user of the Technics who has fitted an OL Zephyr IIRC - similar to your RB, and is running a ZYX 100-02 and very happy with the sound. Phono stage may well be your limiting factor at this stage. One thing to be aware of, with the stock Techie, some cartridges (Grado and Musicmaker particularly) can be susceptible to hum pickup from the transformer under the platter. An Achromat and a record weight will lift the sound a deal, IMO Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bomber Rock Posted October 31, 2013 Author Share Posted October 31, 2013 Thanks all for your thoughts. Nice cop out djb. I did expect you would participate in this thread, but only to tell me that the Technics is no good and not worth spending anything on. Ophool, got an Achromat on its way, but external power supply and dedicated phono stage will be a while away. Kieth, think I might look at the 103R. Mind you, the 2M black looks pretty hot. Anyway, you taught me so well I think I should be able to set things up myself this time, but don't worry, I won't be shy to ask for help if I need it. Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djb Posted October 31, 2013 Share Posted October 31, 2013 I'm quite nice really I wouldn't stoop so low It's the sort of behavior I expect from direct drive owners like ...c Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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