OK....I want some opinions.....

[SUPERBEE]

Some of you know me, I have been running a set of 2 McIntosh MC 75's, Thorens 125Mrk II with a Linn Basik arm, Sure V15 type 5 and a C-22 matched with JBL Olympus blue basket jems as my main system. I was very happy!

NOW, I recently upgraded to a Marantz 7-C pre and a J A Michell GyroDec turntable with a Ortofhon mid line cartridge. Now the Gyrodec sounds better but it is not as pleasing to listen to on some LPs. My LP collection runs the gambit from 60s Atlantic soul, 50s Buddy Holly, 70s New Wave to obscure 60s Gargage punk and my Big Star LPs sound TOO bright on the GyroDec.

The Marantz 7-C isnt going ANYWHERE!

I am thinking of going back to the Thorens 125 and buying a better cartridge and offing the GyroDec for a more "Midline" sound

I am thinking about "listenability" over "quality"

If I cant play my Big Star LPs and enjoy them then whats the point?

[SUPERBEE]

....Or not

[louped garouv]

....Or not

i do agree that as the system gets better, the albums
you used to love may not sound *as* good anymore...

[SUPERBEE]

i do agree that as the system gets better, the albums
you used to love may not sound *as* good anymore...

This is the first time that has really happened to me. I think I am going back to the Thorens 125/Linn Basik set up but I would love some suggestions on a better cartridge

[Titanium Dome]

Can't really comment on the cart, but this is why I keep a number of different systems. Some recordings do better with some systems than others.

That's why so much of the BS that goes around about this amp or that pre or those speakers being the best always amuses me. Nothing does everything well, IME. I've found sometimes a sh!¥¥y system is the best for sh!¥¥y music (in terms of its recording or mastering or duplicating).

[scott fitlin]

In general, I find Ortofon cartridges too bright sounding for my taste, with ALL my music. I don't think it is your turntable, i think maybe you should go back to the Shure V15.

Another brand whose mid level to high end cartridges I like is Audio Technica. I have had several Ortofons, and never have been happy with any of them.

[scott fitlin]

OR if you want something *I* think was all that, I have a GRADO Reference Platinum Woodbody cartridge. This Grado, originally costing me $300.00 can and does BEAT CARTRIDGES costing much more. The bass response, man this thing digs it out to the NETHER REGIONS! The midrange is really sultry, smooth and svelte yet dynamic. The highs are extended, maybe not the nnnth degree of shine, but not dry either and definitely NOT HARD or BRIGHT sounding. The thing about this Grado is it's MIDRANGE! You ain't gonna do better at this price or until you spend g_d knows how much. If your interested, as I no longer play records, PM me, we can discuss a fair price + shipping, I have the ORIGINAL box, and I KNOW you will be HARD PRESSED to better this Grado, at most any price. This was one of my cartridges for home listening, and has very low hours on it.

[SUPERBEE]

OK....Thanks all. This is more of what I was looking for.


I think my Shure is showing its age, the $250 Ortofon sounded better on a matching Thorens TD 125 table (Yes, I have 2) so now I think I am going to try some hoped up new needle in my Ortofon cartridge and put the Gyro out to sell.

Any other cartridge recomendations in the $300 to $500 range?