Cartridge for Xpression III

[bigred7078]

Hey guys im looking into getting a new cartridge for the Pro-ject Xpression III that I picked up.

I'm currently looking into some Grado's and Denon's as i get pretty good prices on them.

Grado Gold
Denon DL-103
Denon DL-160

I'm leaning towards the Grado, but i've been reading a lot about hum issues with them and several TT's due to their unshielded design. But yeah any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by bigred7078

Hey guys im looking into getting a new cartridge for the Pro-ject Xpression III that I picked up.

I'm currently looking into some Grado's and Denon's as i get pretty good prices on them.

Grado Gold
Denon DL-103
Denon DL-160

I'm leaning towards the Grado, but i've been reading a lot about hum issues with them and several TT's due to their unshielded design. But yeah any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi bigred,

I have a Grado Reference Platinum cartridge (actually 2), and although there are reports of hum with them on certain tables, I have yet to personally experience this. I have not heard the Denon cartridges, but I am a big fan of the Grado sound.

John

[bigred7078]

Originally Posted by John72953

Hi bigred,

I have a Grado Reference Platinum cartridge (actually 2), and although there are reports of hum with them on certain tables, I have yet to personally experience this. I have not heard the Denon cartridges, but I am a big fan of the Grado sound.

John

Yeah, Grado seems to be loved by a lot of people. I talked to some guy at "needledoctor" and asked him about the matchup with the xpression III and Grado and he basically said that its a HORRIBLE matchup and i should get a ortofon...

lol so many opinion.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by bigred7078

Yeah, Grado seems to be loved by a lot of people. I talked to some guy at "needledoctor" and asked him about the matchup with the xpression III and Grado and he basically said that its a HORRIBLE matchup and i should get a ortofon...

lol so many opinion.

If that's what he said, then I would take his advice. I've heard an Expression/Ortofon combo at my dealer and it is very nice.

Another cartridge to consider, if not now, is the Sumiko Blue Point No. 2 @ about $299 MSRP.

Here's some of what TAS said about it:

"The No. 2 offers improved resolution, superior three-dimensionality, richer and more potent bass, and smoother, less aggressive highs.".

John

[BluRayFred]

Originally Posted by John72953

If that's what he said, then I would take his advice. I've heard an Expression/Ortofon combo at my dealer and it is very nice.

Another cartridge to consider, if not now, is the Sumiko Blue Point No. 2 @ about $299 MSRP.

Here's some of what TAS said about it:

"The No. 2 offers improved resolution, superior three-dimensionality, richer and more potent bass, and smoother, less aggressive highs.".

John

Hi John,

I seem to remember that Roy Hall (MusicHall) absolutely trashed that Sumiko. I think he referred to it as a total POS. He also specifically castigated the reviewers for all the great things they had been saying about that cartridge. Now, Roy Hall's not God, but I find it curious that he would rail on that particular cartridge so harshly. BTW, he went on to compliment Sumiko for some of their other carts.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by BluRayFred

Hi John,

I seem to remember that Roy Hall (MusicHall) absolutely trashed that Sumiko. I think he referred to it as a total POS. He also specifically castigated the reviewers for all the great things they had been saying about that cartridge. Now, Roy Hall's not God, but I find it curious that he would rail on that particular cartridge so harshly. BTW, he went on to compliment Sumiko for some of their other carts.

Yes, I remember that article, and as I mentioned to Richteer last year in a conversation we were having, I am personally not a fan of the Blue Points myself. I always thought they sounded rather harsh in the upper frequencies, which is why I was so attracted to the Grado sound at the time.

Can you audition any of the ones you mentioned on an Expression? That would be ideal!

John

PS ~ I love that TechnoDec Cover....wondering if I could make it work on my Nottingham.

[bigred7078]

Originally Posted by BluRayFred

Hi John,

I seem to remember that Roy Hall (MusicHall) absolutely trashed that Sumiko. I think he referred to it as a total POS. He also specifically castigated the reviewers for all the great things they had been saying about that cartridge. Now, Roy Hall's not God, but I find it curious that he would rail on that particular cartridge so harshly. BTW, he went on to compliment Sumiko for some of their other carts.

Hmm interesting. Wouldn't that vary from equipment used? I tend to take personal opinions lightly since once persons treasure is another persons trash. Of course Roy Hall isnt the average individual but then again i'm sure many individuals dont have the expectations that he has...

[BluRayFred]

Originally Posted by bigred7078

Hey guys im looking into getting a new cartridge for the Pro-ject Xpression III that I picked up.

I'm currently looking into some Grado's and Denon's as i get pretty good prices on them.

Grado Gold
Denon DL-103
Denon DL-160

I'm leaning towards the Grado, but i've been reading a lot about hum issues with them and several TT's due to their unshielded design. But yeah any suggestions would be appreciated.

The DL-103 is reported to have a very neutral sound and is a good bargain for a moving coil cartridge. Does you phono stage support coils?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Hey Fred,

Did you get the VTI rack from RacksandStands?

John

[BluRayFred]

Originally Posted by John72953

Hey Fred,

Did you get the VTI rack from RacksandStands?

John

I got it from StandsandMounts.com. But I think that racks and stands actually had the same item for less money. I didn't find that out until after my order had shipped.

No concerns though really I'm just out of a couple bucks, but I like the stand immensely. Looking are ya?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by BluRayFred

I got it from StandsandMounts.com. But I think that racks and stands actually had the same item for less money. I didn't find that out until after my order had shipped.

No concerns though really I'm just out of a couple bucks, but I like the stand immensely. Looking are ya?

I am indeed.....looking at a 4-shelf unit. I need room for my TT....present stand is not cutting it.

John

[BluRayFred]

Originally Posted by John72953

I am indeed.....looking at a 4-shelf unit. I need room for my TT....present stand is not cutting it.

John

Good deal! I'll be ordering a couple of matching amp stands soon. So what if I don't have the amps yet! I need to get them in the room just to keep focused on what is yet to be accomplished.

Also, I will be ordering the Adona stand the Rich suggested in the next few days. I figure a bit more isolation will benefit the sound nicely. And did I mention the Tecnodec sounds awesome!

[bigred7078]

Originally Posted by BluRayFred

The DL-103 is reported to have a very neutral sound and is a good bargain for a moving coil cartridge. Does you phono stage support coils?

yup my pre-amp supports MC. Thanks for the feedback.

[BluRayFred]

Originally Posted by bigred7078

yup my pre-amp supports MC. Thanks for the feedback.

BTW, I left some feedback for you in your gallery.

[bigred7078]

Originally Posted by BluRayFred

BTW, I left some feedback for you in your gallery.

Thanks for the compliment sir! sorry you do not have a love for Jack like i do

[BluRayFred]

Originally Posted by bigred7078

Thanks for the compliment sir! sorry you do not have a love for Jack like i do

LOL! I do have a rather profound love for Glen however!