MC Cartridge Recommendations for VPI

[thunderchicken]

I have a VPI Classic and a Cambridge Alva Duo. The turntable came with a repotted DL-103 from some audiophile brand (Paradox Pulse). I’m looking to swap it for something more modern.

I’d like to stay MC but move up to a micro line or shibata stylus. I saw a lot of data on the library thread, which is awesome, but I’m a bit overwhelmed by the choices.

My budget is $1,000 and the frontrunner was the AT33Sa, but I backed off because it measures and reportedly sounds bright. What’s a solid neutral option?

 

[USER]

What is the tonearm mass for that turntable? (Can it handle a cartridge that requires 2g of tracking force?) Note that the AT33PTG/II is likely the the most popular MC cartridge here given that there are many measurements of it from various members. It looks like a solid cartridge to me. Microlinear diamonds are better than shibatas anyways as the contact area of the latter increases with wear because of the shape. Basically you'll have the benefits of the advanced diamond shape for longer with a ML.

 

[Blumlein 88]

Goldring Eroica might work for you. Has a Gyger II Diamond stylus for low record wear. They make a high output (HX) and low output (LX) version. It is within your budget.

Ortofon's are good in my past experience. They have a cartridge selector function on their website. This is what they suggest for the VPI Classic 1.

Products

Ortofon is a micro-mechanical powerhouse, which develops, manufactures and markets the world acclaimed Ortofon phono cartridges.

ortofon.com

 

[thunderchicken]

What is the tonearm mass for that turntable? (Can it handle a cartridge that requires 2g of tracking force?) Note that the AT33PTG/II is likely the the most popular MC cartridge here given that there are many measurements of it from various members. It looks like a solid cartridge to me. Microlinear diamonds are better than shibatas anyways as the contact area of the latter increases with wear because of the shape. Basically you'll have the benefits of the advanced diamond shape for longer with a ML.

VPI says the effective mass of the JMW 10” unipivot is 10.5g. None of that means much to me. I set my tracking force based on Denon’s recommendation and adjusted my tonearm according to VPI’s instructions.

I’ll keep looking at ML options, thanks.

My last turntable was a Debut III that I put an Ortofon 2M Red on. I like Ortofon fine, and saw the Quintet series.

 

[spiral scratch]

None of that means much to me

It just lets you know what mass and compliance of cartridge would work with your tonearm. 10.5 effective mass is mid mass and would work well with a mid compliance cartridge. The Denon 103 is a low compliance cartridge meaning it was designed to work best with high mass arms, so it might not be best suited to your arm. I have read about people using them in all kinds of set ups.

You can check your cartridge compatibility here: https://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_resonance_evaluator.php?eff_mass=10.5&submit=Submit

To keep it simple, compliance is how soft the cantilever and suspension are, so high compliance = soft suspension = lighter tonearm and low compliance = firm suspension and heavier tonearm.

 

[mhardy6647]

Look at the Hana MCs. I hear excellent things about them, and they are not eye-wateringly expensive. I am a heavy arm, low compliance LOMC kinda guy myself, in full disclosure, so a bit out of my depth here (albeit not without opinion, as you see!).

 

[mike70]

I have the AT33PTG/II ... excellent tracking and excellent sound. Very high price / performance ratio.
My TT is a Technics with 12 grams tonearm effective mass, so mid mass as the VPI, no compliance problems with the cartridge so far.

 

[Balle Clorin]

The turntable is irrelevant for the cartridge choice. The AT33PTG the most neutral option. 33SA it excessive bright looking at th measurements. my PTG sample has some weaknesses and strange behaviour compared to my OC9MLii.

 

[FastTimes]

I have the AT33PTG/II ... excellent tracking and excellent sound. Very high price / performance ratio.
My TT is a Technics with 12 grams tonearm effective mass, so mid mass as the VPI, no compliance problems with the cartridge so far.

I'm running cart on my VPI Scoutmaster with the 3d printed tonearm and have been extremely happy with the cart for the price.

 

[Angsty]

I have the Hana SL Mk 1 on my VPI Traveler and I've really enjoyed it over the past several years; I have not tried the Mk 2 yet.

One recommendation that often appears in VPI forums is the Dynavector 10x5, which is also an under $1000 cartridge. Both the Hana and the Dynavector are available in high and low output versions.

 

[phoenixdogfan]

The Denon DL-103 is a classic. It's been in continuous production since the mid-1970's for a reason. You should be careful about changing it out because it's one of the best moving coil cartridges regardless of price. While it is low compliance, it probably will work fine the the VPI arm. You might want to at least consider buying more vinyl instead.