Cartridge fun and phono preamp switching

[JohnMichael]

I was spinning vinyl when I decided I had not heard the Benz MC Gold in too long a time. I had tweaked the table with the new motor and braces since last it was mounted. All mounted and properly aligned and VTA set in an interesting way. I had the 2mm spacer under the arm but it was a little too much for the AT F7 and Gold cartridges. So I decided to place the supplied washer from the 24V upgrade under the bearing well which raises the platter up a little less than 1mm. Works for both cartridges and a cheap way of adjusting.

The table was still plugged into the Moon 110LP phono preamp. Highs were a little emphasized and I remembered how the AT F7 sounded bad through the Graham Slee Fanfare 3. It had a really ringing high end but tamed right down with the 110LP. The input impedance of the 110LP was 100 ohms while the Fanfare 3 was 470 ohms. I originally bought the Fanfare for the Gold since it should be loaded with greater than 200 ohms. The Gold and Fanfare 3 are an incredible match.

I have to say the Gold with the Fanfare trumps the Grado Sonata and the AT F7. More detail and color but not as warm as the Grado. A nice balance between the other cartridges strengths. My other phono preamps the Cambridge Audio 640P and Rotel RQ 970BX do not have enough gain. Rage Against the Machine is sounding good right now.

Both Moon 110LP and Fanfare 3 have upgraded power supplies. I was going to try the Ortofon OM20 next but it will be a long next since the Gold and Fanfare are playing so well together. Now that I am happy with my speakers it is time to pay attention to the other transducer.

[JohnMichael]

Here are my choices in cartridges.

[Mr Peabody]

Nice skills and sounds like you were having fun

[JohnMichael]

Nice skills and sounds like you were having fun

Thanks and yes it has been fun. When I look at my cartridges I am glad some of the ones I owned have found other homes. The Grado Red and Blue Point have moved on to other arms. I do know the Blue's suspension wire failed.

Cartridges I miss were my ADC XLM MkII, Dynavector 10x2, Sonus Blue, Accutex, Micro Acoustic, and of course my first Shures the M91ED and M95. Many fun audio memmories.

My phono preamps are the Rotel RQ 970BX, Cambridge Audio 640P, Graham Slee Fanfare3, and the Simaudio Moon 110LP. The Blue Point and Rotel are incredible together. Deepest and detailed soundstage. The Ortofon worked well with the CA 640P and I have not had it mounted in a long time so I have yet to hear it through the Moon 110LP.

[JohnMichael]

I discovered my end stub had worked loose. I was doing some fine adjustment on VTF when I realized it. The counterweight is designed to lock onto the carriage that contains the micrometer style adjustment and once weight is set the carriage is locked to the end stub with another set screw. This makes for a rigid assembly. Now with the tightened end stub all is sounding good again.

[JohnMichael]

I switched to the Rega glass and Ringmat mat. The combo is a nice addition to the Benz and Fanfare3.