Bottlehead Forum

Other Gear => Phono => Topic started by: Pfenning on July 15, 2010, 03:15:12 PM

Title: Cartridge recommendations for Rega RB250 and DIY turntable with Seduction
Post by: Pfenning on July 15, 2010, 03:15:12 PM

So I'm in the market for a new cartridge because of an overly excited 6 year old son that loves when we listen to vinyl. My Dynavector 20x now has an angled needle. I bought the 20x used years ago, and don't have much experiance with other any other cartridges. While I'm down I think I will send my RB250 in for a rewire. I want to stay in the $250 (or less) range for a cartridge unless there's a killer in the $300's. I listen to rock and blues mainly, through my Bottlehead system (Paramours & Foreplay). Let me know what you think, the bigger bang fror the buck the better. I forgot to mention my 20x was high output, so no low output MC please.

Thanks, Pfenning

Title: Re: Cartridge recommendations for Rega RB250 and DIY turntable with Seduction
Post by: Paully on July 16, 2010, 01:35:29 AM

I just bought the Denon DL-160.  Easily under your price range.  Can't tell you what I think of the sound yet but I mention it as one you can look up and do some research as it is one of those that gets lots (and I do mean lots) of press and recommendations as one of the best cartridge values.

Title: Re: Cartridge recommendations for Rega RB250 and DIY turntable with Seduction
Post by: mingles on July 19, 2010, 09:31:03 PM

Your Dynavector 20X is an excellent sounding cartridge. I don't think it's possible to match its performance with your budget. If I were in your shoes, I'd have it rebuilt by Soundsmith. Peter is one of the best in the industry. The only drawback is the turnaround time -- it can take up to 6 months. But the results are fantastic.

http://www.sound-smith.com/retip/

I recommend the Ruby Cantilever with Nude Contact Line Diamond for $250

Title: Re: Cartridge recommendations for Rega RB250 and DIY turntable with Seduction
Post by: Grainger49 on July 20, 2010, 12:27:44 AM

I also vote for "retipping."  That is getting the cantilever and stylus replaced with your old generator.  That might hit the $300 mark.  But it is worth investigating.

Title: Re: Cartridge recommendations for Rega RB250 and DIY turntable with Seduction
Post by: Pfenning on September 08, 2010, 05:36:45 PM

Got my cartridge back from Soundsmith. They did a wonderful job. Just mounted it yesterday and the low end is a little lacking of punch, but I assume some break in is going to occur. Mids and high are beyond my expectations. I picked up a spin clean record washer, and have washed everything before I played it. I think it does a hell of a job for $100. It is manual, but easy to use for sure. Thanks for all the help guys.

Pfenning