PHONO CARTRIDGE: How to choose and match it with your preamp and tonearm

In this video we discuss how to choose and match phono cartridges with your turntable system. In particular with your preamp and tonearm. At first this might seem very difficult and technical but give time to the video and you will start to move with some confidence in this world and obtain the maximum from your turntable's audio reproduction and your hi-fi system in general.
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Music: "George Street Shuffle" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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Resonance calculator app: www.resfreq.com/resonancecalcu...
Millinewton/micrometer ↔ Dyne/meter Conversion: www.endmemo.com/sconvert/mn_um...
Resonance frequency (RF) formula:
RF = 1000 : (2 x π x √ (M x C))
Where:
RF - Cartridge resonance frequency in Hz
π - 3.14159265359...
C - Cartridge compliance lateral in µm/mN
M - Total tonearm system mass which is a sum of Mass of cartridge, Mass of headshell and screws and Effective mass of tone arm (all values in grams).
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Good quality cartridges not too expensive (although good cartridges ARE a little expensive):
MC: Dynavector DV 10X5; Denon 103R
MM: Ortofon 2M Bronze or Black (expensive); Goldring 1012GX
For the best MC go for Lyra Kleos, Etna or Atlas (in my opinion)

[@moussaobeid]

Out of all the audiophile channels out there, your channel is the most informative because you dig deep into the details. I salute your efforts!!!

[@stimpy1226]

Three years after you produced this video I can honestly say I understand why you got so many positive comments. In my travels around KZbin there are not many other audio channels that go into the detail with great clarity that you do. I’ve never heard anyone talk about matching compliance of tonearm and cartridge before. I am also blown away by how many of the comments you respond to. That doesn’t happen very often on KZbin either. So now that we are three years down the road I wanted to let you know that you still got it Guido.

[@anadialog]

Neil, thank you so much. You made my day...once again! For me your words are an injection of fuel to continue! THX!❤

[@stimpy1226]

@@anadialog I say what I mean and I mean what I say. You certainly know how to make a video presentation and the information you provide is really meaningful. You have a fire in your belly for how to set up audio equipment properly and top it off with the love of great music. I appreciate this very much.

[@anadialog]

I know and that is way it is even more special

[@jankove2]

After I am done listening, I decided to donate my turntable lol.

[@anadialog]

No! Don't!!

[@gaWalt]

Ha ha ha ha! That's funny! I feel your pain!

[@primeanalogrecords]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@bradpetersen92126]

And here I was so proud of myself after I straightened out the bent tonearm I had, taking it from an s-shape to a straight tube, and took my friend’s suggestion to tape two quarters on top of the cartridge. No more skipping! * JUST KIDDING * Still putting aside for my next upgrade: Ortofon Black - can’t wait!!

[@peterrech2307]

I had to laugh when i read this, just went through this with a friend of mine. He did exactly that to his J shaped arm then glued lead weight on the headshell to get it to track. I had to remove arm and bin it replacing it with new arm and cartridge. he was told by his wife to never try to improve the audio system without professional advice. enjoy the music

[@crow8D]

Thanks so much for making this video!! I'm new to the hobby so this is a HUGE help. Now I have somewhat of an idea what I should look for in a cartridge/preamp to pair up with my turntable. I haven't bought anything yet but at least I can rest easy knowing I have made an informed decision, whatever combination I end up getting. :D

[@monochromios]

I was in dubt with the coupling of a cartridge with my tonearm. I remember I saw your video, did my math and it's all right. Thank you so much Guido, highly appreciated.

[@markussorrentino]

Thank you very much for all this videos about turntables and so on. I am looking to buy my first turntable soon and this actually helps a lot and is very well explained.

[@paulpavlou9294]

Thank you for simplifying and explaining how to get the correct combination of cartridge, arm and phono pre. This would have saved me a lot of grief and money when I was younger. Trial and error is a hard way to learn where there is a precise mathematical formula to achieve a good result. You make sense to me.

[@anadialog]

Thanks Paul!

[@elmhurst86]

Thanks so much for this. I received a Pro-Ject X1 for Christmas and I'm planning on replacing the Pick It S2 MM catridge it came with. Either with a Nagaoka MP-200, a Grado Opus 3 cartridge or an Ortofon 2M Bronze. Your video will help me to choose. Thanks again.

[@leeyounger2518]

Great content! This is hugely valuable. Thank you

[@sergiokwitko2418]

Excellent episode, as usual!! Congrats!

[@ragkong]

Thank you for a VERY helpful video! this is a must watch for all vinyl people.

[@donk1822]

Probably your best upload amigo. Hope you and yours are all well.

[@anadialog]

Thanks, me too!

[@yvanflodin]

finally, audiphile / hifi stuff that sticks to the facts and gives actual useful info! subbed!

[@HungNguyen-dm3nr]

Excellent learning ! Thanks

[@capitanoachab66]

Great video. My compliments!!

[@Bendix71]

Thank you! This will help me a lot to buy my first turntable and system!!! It was very calm and nice explained for someone who tries to get into this topic! :) (I heard some systems and found that the Nagaoka MP-200 sounds very good for me. Now I can look if the turntable (with the tonearm) would fit and also I am able to search now for a good (but not expensive preamp) a recommendation would be fine :)

[@anadialog]

Great! Welcome aboard! Check this video and the video description for some phono pre-amp recommendations: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sICzdWqigNZ4hpI

[@tonymontana897]

I've only just tipped my toe into Turntables and have a few very nice vintage Pioneer PL series TTs. I am only starting to purchase different cartridges to try out. I don't have a pre amp as such but any of my Pioneer SX 50 or 80 series receivers have excellent phono sections. BTW, I love that you have the Queen " The Studio Collection" up there on the shelf. I have two 1st edition ones in my collection.

[@anadialog]

Cool! Welcome aboard! Do try to get a good stand alone phono preamp at some point...things will start to change big time!

[@michaelmetcalf2427]

Brilliant video and fantastic channel

[@anadialog]

Thank you Michael!

[@wazzajude6532]

i strongly recommend Pat & Mick's 'on the night' when it comes to matching suitable tone arm;made easy,valuable context. hope it helps viewers.

[@Popk1ller]

Thanks for the insights, another tip for matching Compliance with desired cartridge is that lot of headshells are available in different Weights like the audio technica at-lh Series + for fine adjustments adding shims on the headshell so you can get as near es possible to the 10 hz . Im Using the Project phonobox ds3b - its nice to set up the cartridge Specs on the front of the Preamp especially when using multiple carts for different listening needs

[@maryoberman7914]

Excellent video. Very informative. Excellent communication. Perfect pace tone of voice . Easy to understand . Thank you so much!

[@gloomyvale3671]

Moving iron cartridges are great as well. often overlooked, I have a Moving Permalloy Nagaoka, sounds fantastic its has often better scanning of a record then a moving coil cartridge due to the metal being lighter they can also produce high signal voltages so they can produce the same as a MM cartridge, easier for the pre amp to pick up. Best of both worlds.

[@Oldgoat912]

My B&O MMC-20EN is also suppose to me a "moving iron" cartridge. I don't know if that is good or bad. It sounds good to me but I have nothing else with which to compare it.

[@tugboatamerica]

I like all your information

[@desmoface]

Thank you for the education. Awesome video.

[@jdm-uk-yank]

You've inadvertently answered my question. I have a modded Rega arm and would like to get the Denon 103R sone have said the arm mass is a bit light. But it seems I can just get the Soundsmith headshell screw to add the needed mass. Thanks, great channel.

[@juliuscaesarrimando142]

Nice tutorial Sir.

[@anadialog]

Thanks!

[@chubz250]

Great Video!

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU chubz250!

[@klausjones9012]

Thank you, that was a really nice roundup! I have a question regarding Ortofon cartridges, because you can only find "lateral compliance" in their spec sheets. What does that mean?

[@anadialog]

Compliance can be measured in dynamic and static, but also vertical or horizontal (or lateral). In other words its elastivity in both directions, static or in movement. You should check/test both values if you really want to know what is going on (or use a test disc like I describe here:kzbin.info/www/bejne/faK6mWdng7lkecU). In the absence of one or both try to contact the manufacture.

[@joseriggio4366]

Exelent episode, thanks so much, could you give a brief explanation about variable reluctance cartrige type, thanks

[@anadialog]

Well, that type of cartridge instead of having a magnet at the end of the cantilever it has a piece of hallow iron and in fact they are also called moving iron cartridges, which instead have a fixed magnet generating the signal in the coil. Less mass is the trick here for better tracking and low distortion. But this technology is rather rare now to find and IMHO less developed than MM and MC.

[@hawkfumodee5364]

Great job.

[@anadialog]

Thanks!

[@madmaori1]

Hi great video i have a technics sl1210 gr with a Denon DL 103R which i really like what do you suggest the compliance with the tonearm tracking weight and impedance should be for this cart i also have a rega fono mc thanks for any guidance you can give me

[@illia2492]

Thanks ❤

[@magic3817]

Very helpful. Not too technical at all.

[@anadialog]

Thanks!

[@maximelogier1276]

Hello, for the compliance calculation i wrote to the manufacturer to know the tonearm weight. Do i have to add the counterweight in the calculation? Respectfully.

[@dbdigital57]

Cartridge and speakers are the only transducers in the system. They affect sound the most and will have the most subjective affect.

[@chadbarker4023]

Damn. Thanks for explaining this. I've got a 9900z Sansui receiver and Dual 622 TT and was wandering if you need a phono preamp.

[@anadialog]

Nope! You can use the one built in your Sansui. Make sure you use the phono input and connect the ground.

[@waynegrundy6710]

Useful video! Like you, I have a Technics 1200g. I’m using a Dynavector 10x5 currently (swapped from my old Rega P5), standard head shell and firm funk Achromatic. What Cartridge are you using on your 1200g? And which headshell and mat? A subject for another video perhaps - testing upgrades on the 1200g? ;-)

[@anadialog]

Hi Waybe! Thanks! I am also using a Dynavector, a DV 20X2-L. For the mat check: kzbin.info/www/bejne/maSbXmx9pMeKjNU For the headshell: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pafSaHmbm796a8U Enjoy!

[@michaeldiaz2497]

Hello there and thanks for your information. I have a Denon DP 11-F turntable that is over 40 years old. I am still using the original Grado G1 cartridge. I am in the market to replace the cartridge. My question is two-fold: 1. Do you have a recommendation for the new cartridge 2. Will it make more sense to invest in a new turntable and cartridge?

[@sc0or]

May be my answer is too late, but may be not. Sumiko Amethyst for $500 is one of the best MM cartridges (if you love MM). ZYX R1000 for about $1500 slightly used, otherwise is one of the best MC cartridges because it has absolute true high freqs. And they match to most of all Japanese turntables with med/med-to-heavy tone arms.

[@MrVinylObsessive]

Very interesting video!

[@anadialog]

Thank you!

[@charliedaniels1474]

Best Test and Review many Cartridge is this User: kzbin.info/door/KNKJ_uFheEftryRCvbmfNgvideos , more details, this user compare many brands and models, and many parameters, more complete and very good for all users, It does not matter if you are a beginner or more advanced or have more money to buy more expensive or better quality cartridges.....

[@anadialog]

This video is not a review of specific cartridges bit how to match them in general with tonearms and pre-amps...something rather rare don' t you think?

[@sidvicious3129]

I think you did do a good job trying to keep it simple considering the complexities involved. One thing that you glossed over, but mention was making sure your cartridge matches the phono preamp. This is extremely important with moving coil and low output in particular. Example if you are looking at a .3 moving coil you should have a phono preamp that has a minimum of 63-70 db to match a given moving magnet other wise your volume will be too low and when you turn the regular preamp up at that point you will interface distortion, but you were working with a limited amount of time and do understand that. Keep the content coming and I do appreciate your time. The referral to Ian site is great as he does in debt reviews over a period of time and pays for the products that he reviews out of his pocket and he is dedicated to the Vinyl community. Your emphasis on Compliance is something most people miss and that would include Ian's site, so thank you.

[@anadialog]

Thank you Sid and thank you for pointing out thus other important aspect related to pairing!

[@lealoureiro13]

Nice video! Would go for for a Ortofon MC Quintet Red (299) or Ortofon MM 2M Bronze (360) for a Pro-Ject RPM 3? And why?

[@dasboot5903]

*DAMN ... it is not so easy TASK .... but is doable !!!!* :o)) Thank U 4 your wonderful advice. I already put this video in my FAVORITES folder !!!!

[@ncarlson12]

Love the videos, great help! Can you help me understand how to use the Japanese Dynamic Compliance spec (im guessing its 100hz) for a Nagaoka cart. If it lists the compliance as 8.5 x 10-6 cm/dyne, do I multiply by factor of 2? Is the compliance really then 17? Thank you!

[@anadialog]

Exactly!

[@debarghyaroy9948]

hi....you always come up with very informative videos. since you have a great deal of knowledge and experience I would like to seek your advice on, well, cleaning records. it's usually hot and humid here and since many of my records were bought second hand, they have a lot of fungus....white patches that diminish when washed (but never go away) and return when kept unplayed for some months. Besides I bought a new record a couple of months ago tha t had too much of lint and now that I have washed it, it's seems to have accumulated sediment in the groove that produces a hush hush like sound. Damage done, but is there any way out? Ive stopped washing records and my old ones have got some serious fungi infestation going on. It's really humid here in Calcutta! What to do? Please help!!!

[@anadialog]

Hi Roy! Sorry for the late response but your problem isn't easy. I am afraid that the only way is to use 'aggressive' vinyl cleaning solutions to remove all bacteria in order to prevent further fungus growing. Another possible solution, but I cannot be certain, is that of using a professional machine for clenaing. That should relly remove all bacteria and have perfeclty clean vinyl at that point. This is one of the best and 'cheapest' solutions avaiulable (don't get me wrong, it is expensive but compared to other this one is very very good and it costs much less than other simialr machines): kirmussaudio.com/ Hope this helps!

[@debarghyaroy9948]

thank you ....😊😊😊you rock sir! you sure do!!!

[@ronaldwprovo6111]

Thank you .

[@anadialog]

You are very welcome!

[@DineshC]

Great Video..... If you can help me with finding matching cartridge and stylus for Fisher MT-111 . Thank you.

[@anadialog]

Dear Dinesh, Sorry for my late response. I have been looking online but iot is difficult. I need to know more info on the tonearm of your turntable...what model is it? Do you know the weight?

[@007shyambala]

I have an old Rega RP 1 TT . I wish to upgrade, I understood the 3 aspect to look into. The cartridge ..the preamp …the tone arm …. I am not sure about the stock components for these aspect with RP1 ….I only know that the cartridge is a carbon make … conical…. But tone arm…no idea …if my choice of cartridge would need a change in the tone arm….I am on budget … so can’t the ambitious to go for MC cartridge …. You gave nice examples of preamp and cartridges to explain the technical points that are required for choosing the item … in my scenarios, can you sum up and tell me which preamp and the applicable cartridge that I can go about to get significant Sonal performance w.r.t its own stock reference parameters …

[@craigmelissa12]

I have a Pro-Ject Tube Box-S phono pre-amp and a Shure M97XE (MM) and a Hana EL (MC) cartridge. I upgraded to the Hana around a year ago and I re-installed my old Shure and I have to say I love it so much more. The Hana really creates a harsh sound with some of my records and overall too much of a thin high pitched sound signature...for my liking. If I upgraded to a much more expensive pre-amp would that make the Hana just shine and make me forget the Shure or is it just a fact that I like MM and my Shure cartridge better? So confused.... Great video BTW...thanks. Oh, also, I have tried all possible settings for my two cartridges and the end result is the same.

[@anadialog]

They are both excellent cartridges. I believe you have an MC phono preamp, correct? In any way, a high quality phono preamp is always a good idea. They will both greatly benefit from that upgrade.

[@giveall9695]

I wonder whether I can mount Ortofon 2m (red) on my Dual 704 with original tonearm, if I use Technics SU-7300 amplifier with phono stage? The problem is that older equipment usually doesn't have much info around.

[@joemartin6439]

Thanks

[@Mantikal]

I used to be into this stuff and remember something that happened when I purchased a Japanese brand in the $350.00 range. I wound up picking up a radio station with it. I called the manufacturer and they told me to buy a resistor to solder on some points and it killed that problem.

[@TractorCountdown]

Very well explained. Thank you.

[@bopper2984]

Is it static figure that gets put in for calculation (thereby converting from dynamic, when only that’s available)? Thanks

[@ExpectBass]

I'm new to the vinyl world, you seem very knowledgeable, I just wanted your advice or maybe recommendation for a stylus for the turntable; Audio Technica LP120X-USB. Are you able to assist ANA[DIA]LOG ? Thanks bro :)

[@anadialog]

I assume we are talking on a low budget basis and a MM type...how about an Ortofon Red?

[@dannyrighi]

I found in the trash a lenco p75 10’years ago it has a shure mt5 type 2 cartridge I’m waiting to find a perfect stylus for it, so what I recommend is buy and old good turntable probably comes with a killer cartridge

[@georgemunteanu1001]

Hello! I got a new Hana SL cartridge. Do you think Schiit Mani phono amp would fit? George

[@anadialog]

Well, with that kind of quality you should invest a little more like the Black Cube SE II. Congrats for the great cart!

[@Minus-km7hx]

How well would the VM540ML mate with the tonearm on my Yamaha PX-3 turntable or would the VM740ML be a better match? Appreciate any help its all a little confusing 😂

[@norbertostabile1822]

I was watching the video. I don't fully understand the language and that's why I don't fully understand it. Surely your explanation has been excellent. I have an AKAI AP-D30 turntable and an AKAI AM-U04 amplifier. Originally this turntable came with a PC90 cartridge and RS90 stylus. It had excellent sound but it deteriorated from use. Then I put in an Ortofon 2M Red but I was never 100% convinced of its sound. It's not the sound I like. I am now using a Technics 270 C-II and I am in love with its sound. I would like to know what cartridge you would recommend for my turntable, since I want to have a new one in addition to the Technics. Thank you so much. Norberto

[@anadialog]

Difficult to say, we would need the mass of the tonearm ans headshell but I would simply go for a vintage cart or a quality jico cart/stylus.

[@norbertostabile1822]

@@anadialog Thanks for your answer! I'm currently using a Technics 270 C-II cartridge and I really like it. I'm thinking of buying an Audio Technica VM 95 EN.

[@audio4335]

I have an SME 3009 II improved arm, Audio research PH5 phono preamp. Are any of these cartridges a good, better, or best match? Benz GLider (ML), Benz L2, ADC 1, Stanton 300, Nagatron 360ce. And what would you recommend?

[@QoraxAudio]

Nice of you going in depth about the resonance frequency/cartridge compliance. I have never really understood what the value meant; so if I''m right, it's a value determining the rigidity/stiffness of the cartridge body and cantilever? The Dynavector 10x5 cartridge you showed looks very interesting, especially because of its high output and 'low' price (my 2M Black costs about the same, while being MM). I like higher output voltages because of the better signal to noise ratio. Thanks for showing me that one.

[@anadialog]

Thank you! Yes, you understood correctly, and it directly influences the resonance of the arm etc.

[@QoraxAudio]

@@anadialog I have looked up the tonearm mass at the manual of my Technics SL-1200G for calculating the resonance frequency. But I can't find it and I couldn't find it at the web. Since you have the same TT, do you happen to know the effective tonearm mass? I know the classic Technics MK2 tonearm mass is 12 grams, but this TT has one made of magnesium, being lighter than regular aluminum.

[@anadialog]

Yes, it was very hard to find. I don't remember where, I think on a blog or so, but I remember reading that the weight of the arm alone is 4gr!

[@QoraxAudio]

@@anadialog only 4 grams? thats amazing! i knew there would be a difference, but i never expected it to be that big, because the magnesium tonearm is also rugged with vibration dampening polymer, in contrary to the hollow tube of aluminum on the MK2's.

[@anadialog]

I know...that is what we are paying for! ;-)

[@guitaristshawn]

I am somewhat new to collecting vinyl, and you could consider me a beginner to everything that has to do with setting up a turntable. The Technics turntable I got had an Audio-Technica 2002 cartridge on it, but I felt I should get a new one. So, I upgraded to an AT95E. What I didn't realize is that not all cartridges just connect to the front of the arm like my last one, and the connectors in the back are too big to fit. I am not sure exactly what to do about it at this point.

[@anadialog]

I am afraid you need to chance the cart!

[@guitaristshawn]

ANA[DIA]LOG I think I just need a head shell

[@stephenwilson7025]

I’m new to Vinyl - My TT is a fully restored Thorens TD 125 MK ll with SME M2-9-R Arm and Ortofon 2M Bronze cart. The Preamp is an Audio Research PH3 SE. My front end consists of Sonic Frontiers Line 3, Power 3s and Martin Logan CLX Art speakers. The Preamp was purchased recently when I became interested in Vinyl. The previous owner was using a MC & I had to remove the load resistor to have any volume. The ARC PH3 SE input impedance is 47 ohms at 90pF unbalanced. The Ortofon 2M Bronze recommend load capacitance is 150-300pF. Currently, I don’t like the overall sound, could it be that I need to adjust the load capitalize to the recommend 150-300pF? Should I stay on the low end of the range, or does that matter?

[@anadialog]

Nice setup! Well, if a preamp is designed for an MC cart the results with a MM cart may not be optimal. The contrary may instead work with a high output. Try changing phono preamps if you can and see what heppens.

[@jccc6524]

Hey for audio research sp3 mc or mm which will you recommend?

[@sergiozamalloa9433]

Hola tengo un amplificador sansui au-a99x y tiene una sensibilidad para moving coil de 0.25 mv , que cartucho tengo que comprar , gracias .

[@joemartin6439]

Please review the Sumiko Black Bird low MC cartridge

[@natanpierce495]

Can you just tell me...Dual ULM tonearm from a 701, with a Shure V15 Type RS matched with a NAD preamp. Am I good? How about the ULM tonearm from a Dual CS5000 with same configuration...am I good?

[@onemorething100]

A few questions if you don't mind. One, I just bought a Music Hall 1.5 turntable. I know they aren't the best but it works for what I need. My dad also gave me his old Technics SL-QX300 still with original box!! first, Can you recommend a good stylus and cartridge for my music hall? Also why is it better to store records on edge rather than laying flat. one would think being flat would lessen the warping. Thank You

[@anadialog]

Congrats! Welcome to the community! Let me know your max budget for the cart. Records are stored vertical, and they should really be vertical, because if you stack them horizontal they are going to start to produce what is commonly known as ring-wear. That ruins the jacket and obviously crushes the records at the bottom. Remember that records have a recession for the label so that makes an uneven surface that warps if horizontal. Even CDs should be stored vertical.

[@onemorething100]

@@anadialog Thanks for the reply. Maybe around 200$ if possible.

[@anadialog]

How about a Grado Prestige Gold 3 or a classic Denon DL-103?

[@kazjja]

thanks for the great video.I am having an Ortofon mc turbo 3 cartridge and i'm constantly wondering if my MC isn't too cheap (considering) to compete with more advanced MM cartridges. What do you think? should I try for example ortofon 2m bronze instead of my MC turbo3?

[@anadialog]

Hi Karlis! Well I checked the specs of the turbo and it seems a very nice cart. The only fact that strikes me us that it has a very high output. Almost as an MM. I think you can stick with the Turbo if it is already yours. If you decide to change I would definitely change brand or go for a higher upgrade. The Bronze for instance seems very similar to the Turbo so to have a true difference I would go with a Dynavector DV10X5, a cheap Benz Micro (difficult to find) or Sumiko Blue point 2....

[@kazjja]

Wow, thanks for taking your time and looking into it. Indeed MCturbo-3 by ortofon is a so called high output MC cartridge and honestly I really like it. The thing is that on one type of records (even the new reissues or brand new ones) I get a reall unpleasant distortion on cymbals and especially on vocal's "s" sibilance nearing inner groves. I am aware of IGD but even a specific cart reallignment doens't help. . I have tried many cartridge allignments, biases, VTAs, etc., but I can't get rid of them. A wide ~1kHz - 10Khz distortion when vocals hits "s". Maybe it might be something to do with the cartridge wearing out already, but still. I was wondering if your suggested carts would do better job at this. I have a nice ARCAM preamp and rega with rb303 tonearm. For example ACDC inner songs in Back in Black sound terrible on even a brand new record. I would sincerely appreciate if you could give me your openion. Greeteings from Riga, Latvia and keep up the good job!

[@anadialog]

Well Karlis, it looks like you may have an issue in the turntable leveling. If the platter is perfectly leveled maybe you should try to use a test record like that of Hi-Fi choice. That could help. Considering the topic of this video are you sure you are not picking up some resonance with the cartridge compliance and tonearm mass? Did you use the app I suggested in the video to calculate the frequency resonance of the match (in your case the Turbo + tonearm mass)? Since you are talking of 'one type of record' it seems that you may be facing strong resonance, which may distort the correct tracking/reading of the cart of those inner grooves...

[@kazjja]

The resonance is right on 10 and with HiFi News Test lp the inner groove distortion bias was quite decent. Mistique. as the distortion appears similary on both LR channels at the same volume. I can even hear the distortion without the amp turned on, just putting my ear to the cartridge listening to high freq audiable waves. Of course this sybilance happens to loud masters, loud songs and nearly always in the inner grooves. In your opinion would this correspond to a worn-out or soon to be worn-out cart..?

[@anadialog]

Yes it could be! Did you try to use a different cartridge? Even a cheap one... That will rule out a lot of doubts...

[@Gamer420life]

You're doing a great job of over complicating things 👍🏾

[@anadialog]

Thanks!

[@aceofspades6667]

I have a Thorens TD 125 Mk II w/ SME 3009 Series II (Improved) tonearm. I've narrowed down my cart options to the following: DL-301 MkII - $400 Shure V15-III - $200 Dynavector 10 x 5 High - $750 Audio-Technica AT33EV - $475 Audio-Technica VM740ML - $325 Audio-Technica VM760SLC - $650 Grado Gold 1.5mV - $600 SoundSmith Carmen - $800 SoundSmith Otello - $380 Which would you lean toward in terms of best bang per $ of for sound quality? I'm less concerned with the detail/analytical end of it and value the musicality of punchy lows and brighter highs.

[@garnetnewton-wade6254]

Denon without exception

[@robertwoodward9231]

Just get a nice Goldring for less than 200.00 and be done with it..

[@polhunter6511]

Hello m8, you are doing an excellent job, so i ll ask for your advice. Iown a Dual 505-4 Legend with a ULM tonearm which has low mass, about 8 grams. It has an Ortofon OM-10 and i m thinking of upgrading the cartridge. Unfortunately i cant change the vta, so i m kind of stuck with the Ortofon cartridges duo to the same height. What is your recomment of cartridge in the 300-400 euros area? ty

[@anadialog]

Hi there, well considering what you wrote, and remaining in the MM domain, I would say that the best upgrade would be an Ortofon Bronze! Can't go wrong.

[@polhunter6511]

ty, keep up the good videos

[@slowdeepandhard69]

Hi.... I just bought a new music hall mmf- 9.3 with the Goldring Eroica LX low-output moving-coil cartridge and Gyger II line contact stylus. I need your help in choosing a preamp. I was told that a Musical Fidelity M6s PRE Balanced Preamp would do the trick. any help would be much obliged, thank you.

[@paulaj2829]

I have a Linn Basik LV-X tonearm with a Linn K9 cartridge with a AT-VMN95E Stylus... playing through my Exposure x pre amp ... what do you think .. Paul

[@rafaelroman3393]

I have the same K9 cart with the same green needle on a Rega Planar 3 first edition and I love it next step is to buy the Shibata needle , price its like $180

[@phil0910]

The real question is what do "you" think? Human ears are a combo of hardware and software, everyone is different from another. The" best" is whatever sounds good to you.

[@SpiralMind6869]

Thank you for the great videos. I need help picking a cartridge for a soon to be purchased new turntable (tech 1200G). I will be spending the majority of my budget on the table. I am looking for a cartridge in the $400 to at most $600 range. I was thinking Nagaoka MP300. Based on reviews of HiViNyws channel. My audio dealer suggested a Sumiko Evii or EVIII Any ideas!

[@anadialog]

As you probabile know, I have that precise turntable. The Mp300 is an excellent choice. I have a MC Dynavector 20X2L and it sound great. My favorite are the Lyra carts but they are very expensive. The choice also depends from your phono preamp...

[@SpiralMind6869]

I’m using a Schiit Mani phono preamp. Working on limited budget. I’m getting the table by selling off 3 of my old Mcintosh amps. I expect to upgrade cartridges and phono pre amp over time. Wanted to get as good of table as I could afford. Can’t do a lot of cartridge listening test at the dealer(s) as I live 4 hours away from any good HI FI stores. Counting on reviews and recommendations for a starting point. Again I like your channel. I’m getting a lot out of it in my quest for better sound!

[@anadialog]

A great quest! Don't think I am a snob or that I do not give value to money but if you are getting that nice turntable and one of those nice cartridge at a certain point you must upgrade that phonopreamp. Otherwise you are going to get a bottle effect, high quality at the source with a compression at the end...but I do understand that all this is done in steps, I did the same...just don't stop at the Mani...!

[@SpiralMind6869]

Your in no way a snob! I appreciate your feedback and agree the mani will need to be replaced at some point in time. But, it does current sound better then the built in phono preamp in my preamp. We all build our systems with in our personal budgets overtime. I’m very happy I’m able to get this turntable. I know others will not be able to afford this or similar tables. I also know there are tables and equipment I’ll never have as well. I did find a review from Michael Fremer where he compared the Nagaoka to the Sumiko; this information, your feedback and other research is leading me toward the Nagaoka. Thanks!

[@anadialog]

:-)

[@masondineen21]

I am looking to upgrade my Scott turn table with a cartridge. I have an integrated Amp and i was wondering how input sensitivity played into this equation. Mine has a sensitivity of “Phono MM: 2.5mV” is this something i need to pay attention to when buying a moving magnet cartridge and if so what do i need to look for?

[@anadialog]

If you are using and planning to get a MM cartridge and have a MM phono preamp, you won't have problems. You may have some issues when you get a very low output MC or, rarely, MM cartridge. That needs a good amount of gain and quality electronics to amplify nicely the subtle signal coming from the cart. In any case, if your amp shows an input sensitivity of 2.5mV, that means that the MM cart should have at least that sensitivity or higher. More is better.

[@masondineen21]

@@anadialog Ok. That helps alot!

[@edibrayrodriguez7429]

Hi, I would like to get the dynavector DV 10X5 MKII but I have a question: This cartridge is 2.8 mv and > 1000 ohms load impedance. Can I use this Cartridge direct in my phono input of my rotel preamp RC 1572 with 3mv and 47kohms input spec without the need of an external preamp? Thank you.

[@anadialog]

I am afraid not...is it MC, Moving Coil, compatible? Or only MM?

[@fortheprofit2186]

I modded a nad pp2 recapped , faster opamp, and a capacitors multiplier power supply for low noise.

[@toneyisaiah408]

I've had my Audio Technica turntable since January. I purchased at Best Buy in Edwardsville. Toney Tillery Isaiah.

[@sailshane]

Pioneer PL-71 tt ATVM95SH cartridge WHAT TUBE PREAMP Do you recommend???

[@anadialog]

Considering the price and type of your cart a good tube phono is the nobsound little bear t11

[@josephpray125]

my Crosley c200 takes a Np5 Audio Technica Diamond Stylus any upgrades for this ?

[@conkerman01]

Not too hot on your model turntable but it looks like the carat ridge can be changed. I’d suggest Audio technica vm95E. You can then get into the upgrade path for styluses. The vm95 has replaced the AT95, which is a stone cold classic value for money option.

[@Twamevaaham]

Sir, I have audio technica LP120. is it necessary to have a pre amp separately? I have connected to DENON AV RECIEVER. Please suggest me . THANKS

[@anadialog]

You should have a small knob behind to select Phono or Line. Selecting line you are using the integrated phono preamp in the LP120, with Phono you can use your own external preamp (better).

[@djsuranyi]

Hi! If you have time can you let me know what is the Best choice cartridge and Stylus and pre amp for my AKAI ap306? I bought with only headshell, without cartridge and needle. I'm a wery begginner and I would strat to listen and digitalized my records. Please help if you can. Many tanx

[@anadialog]

You need to know the total weight of the tonearm and headhsell etc. At that point you follow the indications of the video. In any case don't worry too much. There is time. Just pick the best cart you can get, like a good Ortofon, Nagaoka or Audiotechnica and a decent headshell and start spinning!

[@wjgrundy7794]

Have you tried the Nastec Swing Headshell? It would make an interesting video.

[@anadialog]

The Nasotec! It seems very interesting but no. I haven't. The cost is very high and the geometry is quite strange...

[@wjgrundy7794]

Reviews in HiFiChoice mag and HifiPig review were very good.

[@anadialog]

I know...I greatly trust both mags...I would just expect a broader diffusion of it if it is so good...

[@wjgrundy7794]

It appears to be rather expensive but I’m intrigued enough to give it a try.

[@anadialog]

I agree...maybe I will try in the future...

[@Badassvidsz]

Hi i have a 32 + years old Technics SL-BD22 which takes PMount carts only and since 3 hours ago i've replaced the Technics cart P-34 with an Audio Technica AT-85EP, and i saw some interesting sound quality difference , it sounds a little bit better overall by my opinion, and also more detail in hi frequencies especially, my 52+ years old ears can detect more high frequencies I know my tt is not something special but this cart i believe it is what best it could be for it at-least is what i believe . I don't know your opinion about this AT-85EP ? Nice and detailed video as usual :-)

[@anadialog]

There are so many AT carts! I never heard that one, I will check it next time I can...thanks!

[@Badassvidsz]

@@anadialog Thank you too for your quick reply :-)

[@brucetaylor5917]

Very astute video. You are absolutely correct in emphasizing the importance of the phono-cartridge as one of the most important links in a vinyl record-playing system. Similar to a loudspeaker, the cartridge is an electro-mechanical transducer which changes mechanical motion into an electrical signal. A loudspeaker, of course, does the exact opposite -- changing an electrical signal into mechanical motion. As such, these two links tend to be, as you imply, the most critical or, let us say, the two links most subject to variation. As a user of the Shure V-15 Type V cartridge I was advised to add a small capacitor to the wiring leading to the cartridge as Shure had made such a recommendation. Very interesting that you raised the importance of that factor. With a CD player, one electro-mechanical transducer link is effectively eliminated. It is simply reading digital data from a disc which it converts into an analog electrical signal. Although some claim otherwise, I don't think there is much, if any, difference to be heard from one CD player to another. Being electromechanical transducers, microphones, phono cartridges and loudspeakers remain a combination of science and art.

[@johnnykaldani633]

Infortunatelly, the brekage of my Infinity Black Widow tonearm has attaIned me in a absolutely infortunate tragedy. Although my phone cartridge is untouched the typology of a replacement arm will be absolutely a big job to the replacement efforts. Due to the vintage age of my vinyl reproduction system I will legitimately need to make complete research to the compatibility and matching of the very low mass arm to the low mass phone cartridge. Please sir can you recommend to the best typology of tomearm that will be best matching and best sounding to my Bang & Olfson MMC 20CL moving iron cartridge? Also, my turntable is Pioneer PLC590 direct-drive turntable and my preamp is a McIntosh MX113 tuner/preamplifier with 2 integrated phone inputs.

[@anadialog]

Hello Johnny, well, the black widow is a great arm with very low mass. You need a new arm with very low mass, which are very expensive. Good solutions are usually magnesium arms, which are very light. Try looking at the Vinyl Engine tonearm database: www.vinylengine.com/tonearm_database.php?make=any&mdl=&sort=5&eflo=&efhi=&ascdesc=ASC&mdlo=&mdhi=&ohlo=&ohhi=&search=search&amlo=&amhi=&cw=&mp=#thumb

[@Dutchamp]

Most MM cardridges do fine on 47K ohm first resistor input phone amp Capacitance is a mostly not written on specs. They variatie from 47pF till 220pf one rule the higher the capacity the more the high tones are filtered out of the Amp. So if you have a less bass sound you can go higher in pF (Pico fahrad) MC is mostly without capacitance rather the more the resistor from 5K till 68k or sometimes higher. Most phono amp have fixed values. Go for a phono amp with dips witches inside the phono amp. So you can adjust it to your taste. My MM cardridge is a Grado reference platinum 2 wood Specs: OUTPUT: 4.8mV @ 5 CMV (45) CONTROLLED FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10-60 KHZ CHANNEL SEPARATION: AVERAGE 40 DB - 10-30 KHZ LOAD: 47,000 OHMS INDUCTANCE: 40 mh RESISTANCE: 600 OHMS NON SENSITIVE TO CAPACITIVE LOAD CHASSIS MASS: 10 GRAMS TRACKING FORCE: 1.5 - 1.9 GRAMS So this grado isn't sensitive to capacitance load. Nice video good explanation

[@azasham1181]

Hi. I don't really know how to match those. I have a Rega RP6 with rb303 tonearm and Audio Technica VM95ML cart run through Schiit Mani. Are those matched?

[@anadialog]

You have to check the specs and use the application I linked in the video description!

[@doyrayburn2668]

Wha? Certainly not Layman's terms but digestable with some focus. Thanks!

[@Panos3412]

Can you please explain to me if the nominal tonearm effective mass is calculated including headshell or without? I want to install a 26gr/ 5cu compliance/ 3gr tracking force cartridge to 3012R tonearm. I imagine I have to change the headshell anyway, but without knowing this parameter can not decide which one (btw which is the weight of original headshell?). I need to reach a total 50 effective mass. Your help would be very much appreciated,

[@anadialog]

Usually, no, it is not included. You need to add that parameter according to which headshell you have.

[@Panos3412]

@@anadialog SME finaly answrted that headshell is included in 14gr of effective mass. So I have to exlude 7gr of rhe S2R mass for the final decision.

[@anadialog]

Great!

[@arielrodriguez6980]

What is the average capacitance for the tone arm cables on most turntables? I contacted Music Hall and they have no earthly idea.

[@anadialog]

Ariel, I am afraid that I do not know the answer to this question...interesting though...

[@shaun9107]

My cartrage Audeo tek 230 setting ballance weight , I have to give it 0.1 to reduce record wear . now the top end sounds more crisp , I think I read it wrong ,bad

[@indigoTALKx]

you may ionize the vinyl, - there is a comp from Germany who develop such a tech. save the wear for over 1000 times less...

[@anadialog]

Cool!!!

[@CaiusRo]

So the tonearm on my project primary is 8g (ulm), as stated in the manual. But does this include the cart and screws? How does one know what they refer to?

[@anadialog]

No, that should be only the tonearm.

[@CaiusRo]

@@frohro8573 not really. If you need help write here

[@juangnrnminecraft]

What would you say is the next best budget upgrade for the rt80 turntable?

[@anadialog]

If I can be direct and honest, I would invest only on things that you could use with also other turntables. I am not an big fan of these low quality models but indo understand that you must start somewhere so don't worry about that. The best budget upgrade would probably be an external phono pre-amp. Check the models I've suggested here and in the video description: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sICzdWqigNZ4hpI

[@juangnrnminecraft]

​@@anadialog What things would I be able to use only on this turntable according to you?

[@arielrodriguez6980]

Basically with capacitance since my 2m blue is between 150-300 that means I need to fall in between those numbers with my preamp, rca cable and tone arm wiring?

[@anadialog]

Yes, but I think you just need to check cartridge and phono pre-amp...the rest will obviously introduce a change in the final value but most probably not that relevant...in the end the lengtu of these cables are very small....

[@arielrodriguez6980]

Thanks my Lounge LCR MK3 has 120pf capacitance and the cartridge falls between 150-300pf. I am going to measure the cables capacitance to make sure I didn't go over the 300pf since my cable is 4.5ft long.

[@coryengel]

This is the sort of information that makes an all-digital system look pretty good.

[@dippin1523]

lol. Its a labour of love.

[@doyrayburn2668]

Awww come on now, its fun! For some lol. Someone has to keep the format alive.

[@joebloggs8636]

You are very simple...😅

[@ionbuglea596]

Hello ! Today is the first time I'm on your channel. I honestly liked it very much. I am a beginner audiofil. I have a 2000(-500+500) euro budget and I would like to buy a stereo turntable, a preamplifier, an amplifier and two stereo speakers(3 ways if is possible). What would be your recommendation? Thanks!

[@tuturuism]

I'd say it depends on what you want. You can get many Technics clones for around 300 bucks and an amplifier with phono input for around 200 bucks. The speakers are a separate manner and vary with the capability of reproduction of frequencies.

[@ionbuglea596]

@@tuturuism Thank you for your answer, I will take in my account for the future purchases . respectfully Ion Buglea

[@pointsbeingmade7996]

I recommend the AT150mlx and Goldring 1022x, Goldring Elite And m100 zyx for technics sl1200 mk x to x GR G and 3MD Oh! And the ATOC9 3

[@maximelogier1276]

Hey it's me again, Still regarding the preamp choice. My cartridge is the ortofon concorde club. The output voltage is quit high : 8mV : is it still important to use an external preamp? what caracteristic of preamp to focus on with this high voltage? Finally, is it compatible withe the preamps you recommanded on the video for a HIFI system under 1000 euros? Thanks for answering my questions everytime i really appreciate it! Enjoy the day!

[@anadialog]

Uuuh! That is a DJ cart. That is indeed a very high output. At that point it is very easy to amplify the signal but it will be' less refined. Yes, an external preamp its always a good idea. Yes, the ones I recommended are good. Its the opposite situation that can give some problems. I also made in the video description some very low budget but high quality products, also for your range.

[@maximelogier1276]

@@anadialog ok thank you!

[@maximelogier1276]

@@anadialog do you think i need to change the cart or it could wait for a time? Also the recommeded tracking force is 3G. is that a threat for my vinyls? Thank you

[@anadialog]

@@maximelogier1276 no, don't change it. Invest the money in a good phono preamp, which will then stay with you regardless the cart ( I.e. if you get a preamp that can accept MM and MC). 3g is a lot but not absurd, so don't worry.

[@maximelogier1276]

@@anadialog once again thank you 🙏

[@jonseymour1866]

Guido, i just got my fluance rt85 today and it comes with a ortofon blue, have you ever aligned one of theze carts? It is not easy for me because the body of the cart is angled on the side and is very narrow at the bottom, any ideas will be appreciated

[@anadialog]

Yes, I have. Judging from your comment I am afraid that you have been using the cartridges' body to align it. Never do that. As I have explained in my video on setting up a turntable l, kzbin.info/www/bejne/faK6mWdng7lkecU , always use the cantilever to fix the whole cartrdige parallel and perpendicular to the allignment protractor. That is because they are rarely perfectly straight and perpendicular to their body.

[@jonseymour1866]

@@anadialog i will try but dont know if my eyesight is good enuff to see rhat tiny little thing