LancePeT Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 Hi - my Technics 1200G has finally arrived, Now to find a cartridge for it. MM - Under $1000 (Yes I know a much better more expensive cartridge would be ideal - but with the current COVID situation I don't want to spend too much at the moment.) Anyone have any suggestions as to something that would be very good to get started with that is compatible? Happy to consider 2nd hand if someone here has something that they are looking to move on. Thanks Lance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RankStranger Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 (edited) Ortofon 2M Black. Best sounding MM cart I’ve heard in that price range. Retails around $1100 but if you shop around you should be able to buy close to 900 new Congrats. Awesome-looking deck Edited September 9, 2020 by RankStranger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McCvinyl Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 Congrats on the new Technics! Good place for MM is local with Garrotts optim which is a fine cart. Or more mainstream Ortofon 2m black. Some info on type of music you play and sound signiutre you prefer. ie big bass, detailed or smooth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LancePeT Posted September 9, 2020 Author Share Posted September 9, 2020 Type of music - Classic Rock - Smooth I guess, that 70's 80's sound. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t_mike Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 One question that must be asked, what phono pre-amp are you using? Compatibility is everything when trying to extract as much bang for your buck as you can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LancePeT Posted September 9, 2020 Author Share Posted September 9, 2020 Vintage marantz gear at this stage. SM500DC Amp & SC500 Control Amp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t_mike Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 Here are the important specs required, maybe @andyr or @catman can make suggestions from here. Specification Input Terminals Phono (MM) Frequency Response (RIAA) ±0.5dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A Network) 84dB Input Impedance Phono 1 MM 27kΩ/47kΩ/100kΩ Phono 2 MM 47kΩ Input Sensitivity 2.8mV Input Equivalent Noise 0.24µV Dynamic Range 120dB Phono (MC) Input Impedance 100Ω Input Sensitivity 220µV Aux Input Impedance 37kΩ Input Sensitivity 150mV Frequency Response (±1dB) 5Hz-100kHz Output Voltage/Impedance 1kHz Tape Out Pre Out 430mV/470Ω 1.5V/220Ω Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 24 minutes ago, t_mike said: Here are the important specs required, maybe @andyr or @catman can make suggestions from here. Specification Input Terminals Phono (MM) Frequency Response (RIAA) ±0.5dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A Network) 84dB Input Impedance Phono 1 MM 27kΩ/47kΩ/100kΩ Phono 2 MM 47kΩ Input Sensitivity 2.8mV Input Equivalent Noise 0.24µV Dynamic Range 120dB Phono (MC) Input Impedance 100Ω Input Sensitivity 220µV Aux Input Impedance 37kΩ Input Sensitivity 150mV Frequency Response (±1dB) 5Hz-100kHz Output Voltage/Impedance 1kHz Tape Out Pre Out 430mV/470Ω 1.5V/220Ω Mmmm, Mike - my comments are as follows: very limiting as a LOMC phono stage (only load option is 100 ohms) very flexible as a MM phono stage. So it is a great phono stage for any number of MMs: classic Japanese ones (which typically like a 100K load rather than the modern standard of 47K) wood-bodied Grados (which are often played with a 35K load, rather than 47K ... so the 27K option might make them sound even better! ) and 'normal' MMs / HOMCs with an output from probably 2mV ... to 5mV. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LancePeT Posted September 9, 2020 Author Share Posted September 9, 2020 maybe something like this? Grado Reference Series Platinum2 Cartridge https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/grado-reference-series-platinum2-cartridge?_pos=42&_sid=a76eaeba0&_ss=r Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 1 hour ago, LancePeT said: maybe something like this? Grado Reference Series Platinum2 Cartridge https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/grado-reference-series-platinum2-cartridge?_pos=42&_sid=a76eaeba0&_ss=r Yes, a nice-sounding cart - I had one for many years. It's the bottom of the Grado Reference range (4mV) - there are (or there used to be) 3 higher: Sonata Master Reference. Sorry - can't advise how it sounds vs. the Garrott Optim that @McCvinyl recommended - however, this is double the price. Another good MM is the Garrott P77i - a bit more than the Grado Platinum. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08Boss302 Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 I have the Garrott P77i which I rotate in and out of my Technics SL1200mkii and rate it, your Technics out performs the SL1200mkII so should work well and come in considerably under budget. I have the Garrott Optim FGS Optim fitted to a MH 9.1 and really rate it - I don't rotate the FGS Optim, but have no desire too either at this stage. Cant go wrong with either if you like that laid back non fatiguing sound that keeps detail. Fit with tail slightly up and you'll be happy I think. Hard to find reviews on either cart but there is a thread on the P77i on this forum, just use the search function it should pop up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Jones Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 Technics EPC205II or mk3 with a Jico SAS ruby. This is the best cartridge I have ever owned, beats every single high $$$ MC I have had and under $1k.......... We usually associate MC and spending a lot of $$ with high end sound so I was blown away when I tried this MM. I now have 205II on my linear arm and a mk3 on my EPA100. IMO you will be hard pressed to find anything under $5k that'll beat it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McCvinyl Posted September 9, 2020 Share Posted September 9, 2020 If you like to rock then I recommend the Goldring 2500. I have used one on my Technics 1210 and it has a really dynamic character to the sound and brought out the best of the Technics superb driveline. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LancePeT Posted September 9, 2020 Author Share Posted September 9, 2020 Going to consider the Garrott p77I - the technics also appeals but finding one is the issue 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LancePeT Posted September 10, 2020 Author Share Posted September 10, 2020 How would a Shure V15 MKIII go n this deck? Anyone have any opinions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crtexcnndrm99 Posted September 10, 2020 Share Posted September 10, 2020 19 hours ago, Warren Jones said: Technics EPC205II or mk3 with a Jico SAS ruby. This is the best cartridge I have ever owned, beats every single high $$$ MC I have had and under $1k.......... We usually associate MC and spending a lot of $$ with high end sound so I was blown away when I tried this MM. I now have 205II on my linear arm and a mk3 on my EPA100. IMO you will be hard pressed to find anything under $5k that'll beat it. Interested, how is it with classical? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Jones Posted September 10, 2020 Share Posted September 10, 2020 2 hours ago, crtexcnndrm99 said: Interested, how is it with classical? My music tastes are varied so listen to everything from AC/DC, to Frank Sinatra and light Classical. It works for everything I play. It's extremely revealing and detailed which can make poor pressings unpleasant. A good pressing and this thing makes the hairs on the back of the neck stand up. I love it, it'll be the only cartridge I use from now until........ I have sold all of my MC's and may even sell my XSV3000 and 881s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monkey_Relish Posted September 11, 2020 Share Posted September 11, 2020 On 09/09/2020 at 8:36 PM, Warren Jones said: Technics EPC205II or mk3 with a Jico SAS ruby. This is the best cartridge I have ever owned, beats every single high $$$ MC I have had and under $1k.......... We usually associate MC and spending a lot of $$ with high end sound so I was blown away when I tried this MM. I now have 205II on my linear arm and a mk3 on my EPA100. IMO you will be hard pressed to find anything under $5k that'll beat it. I have the EPC205II with the Jico SAS boron, on a Technics SL-1700 MK2 and it’s heaven. Can’t say I have much to compare it to, but it sounds fantastic. Great bass, clear highs. Just seems to make everything sound better. It’s streets ahead of an AT95E With Jico elliptical and an EPC270C with Jico elliptical, and those carts aren’t terrible. Not exactly high end carts though. Mr Relish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warren Jones Posted September 11, 2020 Share Posted September 11, 2020 (edited) I have 3 styluses for the 205 an original Technics mk3 a Jico SAS boron and ruby. I do not have a Technics mk2 stylus. The EPC205mk3 stylus is very good and the Jico SAS/B is as good with a little more detail due to the ML diamond. This combo is exceptional. The SAS/R is in another league, after hearing this stylus I won't be using anything else on my 205. I paid $315USD delivered, a pretty good deal if you ask me for the performance. I just hope Jico never discontinue it. Edited September 11, 2020 by Warren Jones Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben khuat Posted September 14, 2020 Share Posted September 14, 2020 I think Denon Dl 103 is a nice one reasonable price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cafe latte Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 Best MM if you consider used is an EPC 205cmk3 with a Jico boron stylus sas (MR) this is one of the best carts I own and I have 60 carts or more. Best cart I have ever heard MM MI or MC is a Decca super gold which is over you budget but it is another lever to any other cart. All others are music the London super gold as it is called now is like being on the stage with the musicians, really jaw dropping. I have Dynavector 17d3 Benz micro glider and lot of other MC the London is another level. The EPC is not my best cart but scary good there are not many carts out there that do what this does regardless of price. I retip cars and check them all and I have had some serious carts in my home and I would not swap ANY for my Decca and the EPC either. Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cafe latte Posted September 18, 2020 Share Posted September 18, 2020 Just to Add I have 8 turntables including a G Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LancePeT Posted September 18, 2020 Author Share Posted September 18, 2020 (edited) 11 hours ago, cafe latte said: Best MM if you consider used is an EPC 205cmk3 with a Jico boron stylus sas (MR) this is one of the best carts I own and I have 60 carts or more. Best cart I have ever heard MM MI or MC is a Decca super gold which is over you budget but it is another lever to any other cart. All others are music the London super gold as it is called now is like being on the stage with the musicians, really jaw dropping. I have Dynavector 17d3 Benz micro glider and lot of other MC the London is another level. The EPC is not my best cart but scary good there are not many carts out there that do what this does regardless of price. I retip cars and check them all and I have had some serious carts in my home and I would not swap ANY for my Decca and the EPC either. Chris I think I will take your advice and search for a mkIII. ‘Is there a Australian supplier for the Jico stylus? Just have to find a mkiii at a reasonable price Edited September 18, 2020 by LancePeT More info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One and a half Posted September 22, 2020 Share Posted September 22, 2020 On 09/09/2020 at 11:51 AM, RankStranger said: Ortofon 2M Black. Best sounding MM cart I’ve heard in that price range. Retails around $1100 but if you shop around you should be able to buy close to 900 new Congrats. Awesome-looking deck Totally agree, As an entry, the 2M Blue was pretty good, but the black has separation, and stage height that surpasses even some digital. Nice mactch to the GR. It does come on special now and again, so worth the wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cafe latte Posted September 23, 2020 Share Posted September 23, 2020 On 19/09/2020 at 7:20 AM, LancePeT said: I think I will take your advice and search for a mkIII. ‘Is there a Australian supplier for the Jico stylus? Just have to find a mkiii at a reasonable price No just direct from Jico. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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