Worth moving from MC to MM to cheaply change phono styli more frequently?
- Thread starter SONDEKNZ
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SONDEKNZ
Kiwi, now living in Hangzhou, CHINA
Andy,
Am I correct in saying that our solid state phono stage should not add to the too-high pF problem?
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Sorry - not sure what phono stage you have.
SS phono stages use either jfets or transistors. Irrespective of this ... Miller capacitance acts on the cart, unless the 1st gain stage is built with a cascode.
That's the difference between my MM & MC 'Muse' phono stage - I build my MM version with a cascode on the 1st gain stage ... whilst the MC version has a CCS (because capacitance is irrelevant for an MC cart). 2nd gain stage of both has a CCS.
kjb
Proof reading not always a strength
I inquired about similar a year or so back. Both of my local hi fi dealers ( Audio T and Deco) spoke highly of Audio Note MM cartridges. I am told they are based on the Goldring template.
There's a thread from 10 years back of Steve Hoffman's forum that is quite positive about them - including SH himself.
forums.stevehoffman.tv
Being AN they are not cheap but you can just replace the stylus - but, again , not that cheaply.
I'm going to compare the AN IQ 3 with a Hanna MC next time I change mine although, looking ahead, a more sensibly priced option might also make sense. Once I'm living on my pension alone, close on £700 - £1k + each time I change the cart , even with trade in, is not going to be sustainable.
There's a thread from 10 years back of Steve Hoffman's forum that is quite positive about them - including SH himself.
Audio Note IQ3 Cartridge. Opinions?
Does anyone have experience with this cartridge? I am considering it for my Rega RP6 and Simaudio Moon 310 phone preamp. Thank you.
forums.stevehoffman.tv
Being AN they are not cheap but you can just replace the stylus - but, again , not that cheaply.
I'm going to compare the AN IQ 3 with a Hanna MC next time I change mine although, looking ahead, a more sensibly priced option might also make sense. Once I'm living on my pension alone, close on £700 - £1k + each time I change the cart , even with trade in, is not going to be sustainable.
SONDEKNZ
Kiwi, now living in Hangzhou, CHINA
We’re in the J-FET camp, with our TRICHORD DELPHINI 2-box phono.
We have the option of 47K loading for MM with either 100pF or 1,000pF - which I fear may NOT be low enough pF for some MM designs…
Chris
pfm Member
Thanks Andy,
I had just read somewhere that the valve (ECC83 or 88 ????) in my Puresound phono was good for around 200pF Miller effect. I had no idea it depended on the valve concerned nor that this effect affected SS phono stages as well.
I would urge all readers to ignore any " technicalities" that in my ignorance I may regurgitate and investigate for themselves. I know nothing about anything technical.
What I do know is that, SOUNDWISE, the input capacitance can be a make or break factor when trying to form an opinion on the suitability of an MM cartridge. It ain´t that simple......... but I can confirm that Joni has stopped yodelling and her oh so sweet voice is back on form.
Even more weird is the fact that my E.E. mate/ chief solderer just laughs when I say the capacitance of my tonearm cable is good for around 150pF. He says it must be bloody long to have any effect whatsoever - like 2 or 3 kilometres !!!! What would I know - I just go on what people say.
I had just read somewhere that the valve (ECC83 or 88 ????) in my Puresound phono was good for around 200pF Miller effect. I had no idea it depended on the valve concerned nor that this effect affected SS phono stages as well.
I would urge all readers to ignore any " technicalities" that in my ignorance I may regurgitate and investigate for themselves. I know nothing about anything technical.
What I do know is that, SOUNDWISE, the input capacitance can be a make or break factor when trying to form an opinion on the suitability of an MM cartridge. It ain´t that simple......... but I can confirm that Joni has stopped yodelling and her oh so sweet voice is back on form.
Even more weird is the fact that my E.E. mate/ chief solderer just laughs when I say the capacitance of my tonearm cable is good for around 150pF. He says it must be bloody long to have any effect whatsoever - like 2 or 3 kilometres !!!! What would I know - I just go on what people say.
alexkirkham
Member
Don’t rule out the 1042… I keep coming back to it and have had it with expensive mcs. And it has got cheaper! now 300 quid. Not many components have done that!
Alex
Alex
SONDEKNZ
Kiwi, now living in Hangzhou, CHINA
I know people swear by them.
I just wish I didn’t find the 1042 to be so downright ugly.
CageyH
pfm Member
Yes, it does. Hence the recommendation in post #5 from Moonbuggy.
Mike1965
pfm Member
Interested. What kind of improvement and for what cost?
I replaced a P77 on a guy's Planer3 yesterday, the cantilever was bent in two. I didn't think there were any decent stylus options left for that cart. Certainly not reasonably priced ones.
rough edges
Sapere Aude
Sorry, should have been clearer. The issue is the one being discussed in this thread; damaging vinyl records by using a stylus that is worn out.
chartz
If it’s broke fix it!
I use a Shure cantilever I mount on the P77. An easy job.I replaced a P77 on a guy's Planer3 yesterday, the cantilever was bent in two. I didn't think there were any decent stylus options left for that cart. Certainly not reasonably priced ones.
SONDEKNZ
Kiwi, now living in Hangzhou, CHINA
I was never committed to changing from MC to MM - I just thought it might be more affordable, on an ongoing replacement basis. This would in-turn allow me to affordably update styli more frequently, in an attempt to protect our beloved vinyl collection.
It seems, that MM is no lower in cost, at our present “delighted, but affordable!” MC level.
That is to say that at £249.17 Exc. VAT, it seems the (original) DENON DL-103 is the best VFM option for our needs.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the DL-103R. - at £80.00 more - I think I better give the more affordable legend a try!
It seems, that MM is no lower in cost, at our present “delighted, but affordable!” MC level.
That is to say that at £249.17 Exc. VAT, it seems the (original) DENON DL-103 is the best VFM option for our needs.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the DL-103R. - at £80.00 more - I think I better give the more affordable legend a try!
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per flemming
Registered User
If my tonearn had mass enough I'd certainly have a 103 available.I was never committed to changing from MC to MM - I just thought it might be more affordable, on an ongoing replacement basis. This would in-turn allow me to affordable update styli more frequently, in an attempt to protect our beloved vinyl collection.
It seems, that MM is no lower in cost, at our present “delighted, but affordable!” MC level.
That is to say that at £249.17 Exc. VAT, it seems the (original) DENON DL-103 is the best VFM option for our needs.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the DL-103R. - at £80.00 more - I think I better give the more affordable legend a try!
But its doubtless more affordable to run MM in generel.
Much easier to change stylus.