Jone5y Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 I've recently picked up a Denon DP 30L-ii TT. Currently it is running a Denon DL-60 cartridge. When I played Daft Punk's RAM through my ME 25/75 combo it sounded very dark, bass heavy and recessed. Being new at this vinyl caper I'm not sure if that was to be expected or how to tell if the existing cart/stylus needs replacing. So I am wondering if it would benefit from something like a new AT95e or Ortofun OM10? The music collection it will end up playing includes Black Sabbath, Slade, Foreigner, Toto, Joe Cocker type stuff - dunno if that helps. Tracking force and anti skate have been checked and reset. I should also say that the TT will be used with sub $100 phono (likely Project or Nad PPx) into a cambridge audio 340A in its final config. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 95e is rolled everywhere. some folks like it that way. can work ok with old rock music. om10, an ok cart. prolly one of more neutral carts in the price range. if i have low dosh i'd use it for classical music which is my staple. either way, i'd rather listen to digital...ok 95e might be fun sounding on occasions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jone5y Posted August 22, 2017 Author Share Posted August 22, 2017 I don't disagree on the digital thing but this setup isn't for me so it doesn't really matter. Would a worn out or old cart lead to muffled sound or is that likely a symptom of the TT itself? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 compared to digital cheap carts usually sound muffled. some advocates will get sweaty over the above assertion but IMO they're delusional 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EV Cali Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 (edited) The existing cart and stylus could be 40 years old and with a lot of wear and as a new Ortofon OM10 can be had for under $50 you should defiantly change it. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ortofon-OM-10-Cartridge-/152531517732?hash=item2383964124:g:JckAAOSww9xZBn8c It could only sound better. Edited August 22, 2017 by EV Cali Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jone5y Posted August 22, 2017 Author Share Posted August 22, 2017 Hmmm, definitely no Phono on the one I've got - AUX, CD, Tuner, AV/MD, Rec out and Tape in are what I can see. Thanks for the link, that's exactly what i was thinking of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EV Cali Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 6 minutes ago, Jone5y said: Hmmm, definitely no Phono on the one I've got - AUX, CD, Tuner, AV/MD, Rec out and Tape in are what I can see. Thanks for the link, that's exactly what i was thinking of. Yes I was looking at the wrong one!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EV Cali Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 (edited) @Jone5y I had one of these and it was only bettered by a Phono worth $1000 Edited August 22, 2017 by EV Cali Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpy Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 Anything in any system that makes SLADE sound dull has to be not woking as it should Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jone5y Posted August 22, 2017 Author Share Posted August 22, 2017 It hasn't seen the Slade album yet. The system is going to my parents who have a rather varied collection. I bought them RAM as an example of some modern vinyl and gave it a spin myself to test. Was definitely very underwhelming hence seeking the input of stereonet's analog gurus. I'm kinda looking forward to listening to a few oldies that i remember from my childhood when i do hand it over. Can't recall Slade ever getting a run though. The old man must've mellowed after having kids. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussievintage Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 As others have said, it is most probably the cart/stylus being old/worn causing the problems. To be honest, I'd get an AT3600 in preference to an OM10. There's a reason they are so common, they do sound good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ophool Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 The DL-60 got a fair wrap back when it was new - I might be inclined to spring for a Jico Elliptical replacement stylus for it. I have not been all that impressed with the AT-95, but I do have one here you could try if you are close enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batty Posted August 22, 2017 Share Posted August 22, 2017 I preferred the OM10 to the AT95e. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattyW Posted August 23, 2017 Share Posted August 23, 2017 My only experience with Denon MM carts is the DL107 which while nice, isn't really my cup of tea. Having said that I'd get a new Jico needle just to see how it sounds. If the DL107 had a better tip than elliptical it would be a world beater.Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jone5y Posted August 23, 2017 Author Share Posted August 23, 2017 Jico needle and OM10 ordered. Will report the results back here once installed (assuming I don't populate this thread with 'how do i fix this thing i broke' q's first) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jone5y Posted September 4, 2017 Author Share Posted September 4, 2017 Pleased to report the OM10 has transformed the sound coming out of this deck. I even managed to install and calibrate it without breaking anything. It still has bass that rattles loose objects at quite moderate listening levels but overall the balance and detail is much better, clearer and more forward. Thanks to all who responded 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Batty Posted September 4, 2017 Share Posted September 4, 2017 The good thing about the OM range is that to upgrade all you have to do is swap the stylus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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