Cartridge choice

Hi-Fi Corner
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Thank you for your advice everyone;So time has passed and I am finally ready to upgrade my AT VM95E.
Systemdek IIX RB250 arm with Michell technoweight & VTA adjuster.(cork/rubber mat)Origin Live DC motor & ultra speed control.GS communicator 2+ PSU. Naim Nait 5i. Monitor Audio GS10.

Budget:400€

NAGAOKA MP200
GOLDRING 1042
AUDIO TECHNICA VM750SH
GRADO Gold 3

From what I can gather the phono amp is lean,Amp neutral light on bass thump but defined.These statements please contradict etc; I listen to rock blues jazz acoustic and world little classical. Warm cartridges Grado Goldring , Punchy Nagaoka, AT clinical detailed ???

Thank you for time

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Just a thought but I’m interested in AT VM95SH and one of these.
IPT RigB 95 - Metal Body Upgrade For Audio-Technica VM95 Cartridges.
I’d imagine this a good step up before spending too much. :+1:t2:

1 Like
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1042 on my Project Perspective.
It will be due for change later this year.
I am considering Sumiko MM (Amethyst or Blue Point No.3) amongst others, including a replacement G1042🙂

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Goldring 1042, a legendary MM cartridge…takes some beating at its’ price point. Also has a relative low cost replaceable stylus.

I have one on a SME3009/TD160… the younger son ‘borrowed’ it…from memory (I had it in service for a while) it was very good.

Have a good Sunday.

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I ran a Systemdek IIX with an OL DC motor for many years. Goldring 1042 was my cartridge choice and it has been carried over to my Michell Orbe SE.

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The 1042 is a fantastic cartridge, well worth a look!

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Mp200 a bit hollow sounding, G 1042 is a sibilant cart, AT 750SH is best tracker but a bit lean, Grado is warmish and full.

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Thank you all.I am going for GOLD it will run RINGs around my budget audio technica.And if i recall back in the day when i unknowingly fell upon;( metaphorically later literally ) and bought my first turntable a second hand Thorens TD150 for a bunch of 10ners, and that was 42 years ago the answer to everything back then was 42. We are all spinning there’ll be a bit of flutter setting it up but then comes the WOW! You were the Tipping Point !!!

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VM740ML and G1042 are very close to each other, both truly excellent performers.

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Now I have calmed down….Thank you all for your advice ! I have chosen a Goldring 1042 because the quality of the stylus and a good price (378€) Furthermore I am guessing this cartridge will be the best match for my Gram amp2 and Nait5i. Should I be thinking of upgrading the arm to an Audiomods Classic III tonearm (£695) or a better GS phonostage:Reflex (£695).I am curious as to what you think is the weak point in my system ? a cheaper option would be an Incognito re-wire. I have read that I may have upgraded the cartridge beyond the capacity of my set up to fully realise the cartridges potential. Thank you for your time and experience, much appreciated.:pray:

3 Likes
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I ran a 1022 and 1042 (different stylus, same Roksan Corus blue body) on a Systemdek IIXE 900/Tabriz for years - I don’t think it’s overkill.

I also added a GS Accession phono stage to that setup whilst auditioning Systemdek replacements, and was very impressed by the uplift over its predecessors (the XS built in stage, and a Stageline N). I wouldn’t worry about what you suggest at all, I suspect it will sound lovely, and make a noticeable improvement. [edit: I mean after the stylus replacement I think I’d stick, leave the phono stage and arm for a while]

Even after all that, I would say your system doesn’t have an obvious weak point. I’d sit tight and buy more records :slight_smile:

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I did consider maxing out my own Systemdek, but decided on replacing it instead. Careful auditioning if you do, I ended up with a 1200G and DV 10x2 to appreciably improve on it. I wasn’t completely convinced by a Vertere DG1/magneto when I auditioned them back to back.

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