The Shure VI5 Type V-MR cartridge was my go to cartridge for many years back in the pre-digital era. Great all round performer.
I had a Dual 1019 and eventually a 1219.
I used an Empire 888TE cartridge.
I cannot recall why I bought a Shire V15 type II to replace it, but the difference was one of two great sound quality events I had when I was an audiophile.
Depends on the shape of the tip.
At least there’s a tip. I believe it’s elliptical, seems like a Jico SAS is a good replacement. A bit pricy though.
By the looks of the stylus I would say that the tonearm’s anti-skate setting needs to be adjusted. So much to fiddle with when it comes to analog/vinyl playback: tracking force, anti-skate, VTA and speed.
Have fun!
Ouch…but I have seen worse…lol.
Did it arrive like that?
Or is it another victim of the infamous " cleaning lady"
Pretty sure these go around their cleaning regimen singing Another One Bites The Dust!
It arrived like that. To be fair, the pickup was a bonus, I didn’t expect it to be a part of the deal. I’ve no expectations about it sounding anything but crap in that state. I might try a Denon 103 on the Sony. It should be a very good match for the tonearm according to the internet. And what’s on the internet is always true, am I right?
The internet is Gospel
TBH I have tried two 103 before, one stock and one highly modified in a Zebra wood housing.
Neither impressed me.
Absolutely (unless it’s about politics, science, nature, life, audio, video, computers, cars, boats and just about anything else!)
Now, i don’t know what it takes to impress you hammer, but i can assure you that the DL-103-family can sound very good, with a drive and suave that the price don’t reflect!
A new turntable (Thorens TD 1500) replacing my 40-year-old Rega Planar 3.
It comes with Ortofon 2M bronze cartridge, but I also have an Audio-Technica AT440MLa.
Thats lovely! Has the tone arm got an SME-bayonet? And the platter seems “weighty”!
Yes, it comes with an SME-type headshell ! The platter has a Thorens 3-point suspension, I need to get used to it when I lift the arm, hehe.
As Shania Twain once said…
I probably did not have a good match at any time for the two 103 I tried but I also have a raft of cartridges at my disposal so I’m also a spoiled brat…lol
I must disagree on the 103…that rhymes. Not sure I could count the cartridges I’ve cycled through but a couple of Dynavectors and a Benz Micro Ruby were some of the highlights. I’ve also run a standard 103, 103R, Zu 103 and Zu 103R. All the others are gone and the Zu 103 (non-R) Mark II Grade 2 is a keeper. So much is dependent on the rest of your system. For sure this is a case of system synergy. Most people seem to like the R better, but I found it just a tad bright for my speakers.
I’d highly recommend checking out the 103 offerings form Zu Audio.
Thanks@TheHammer, I am thinking about adding a DD table to the stable and you gave me a little pause.
If you do your homework and find one that’s already been “restored” , although more costly initially, it would likely be a wise choice.
Nothing at all wrong with one of the great Golden Era DD tables, just need to shop wisely.
Enjoy the ride!
My two newcomers.
Neither tested or restored and a cosmetically disaster. Just the purchase you adviced.