Turntable- New Cartridge Question

[joe1515]

I have a Pro-Ject Xpression III table and I just upgraded the cartridge to a Sumiko Blue Point number 2 from the stock Sumiko Oyster. I know cartridges take around 20 to 30 hours to break in (at least that’s what I have been told and read) but my new cartridge sounds very low compared to the Oyster. It seems to be lacking juice and bass. I also use a record puck.

Is this normal? When the cartridge breaks in, does it normally get louder? Any feed back is appreciated. Thank you!

[richteer]

What's a speed puck?

To answer your question: no, cartridge output doesn't change appreciably once its broken in. What's most likely is that your new cartridge has a lower output (by design) than your original one. Using an MC (moving coil) phonostage might help here, and might fix your bass problems.

[Johnny Vinyl]

I had a Sumiko Blue Point once and exchanged it at the time for a Grado 8MZ. The reason was that I thought it sounded too bright and had little bottom end.

Richteer is one of our Analog gurus here, and has given me plenty of good advise, but I'm not sure that even with a phono stage the Sumiko will give you a significent refinement at the bass line.

[btf1980]

What kind of phonostage are you using?

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by btf1980

What kind of phonostage are you using?

I am using the phono output on my Denon Receiver. I am going to upgrade to a new phono or tube box in the next few months. I guess I am concerned if the blue point 2 is the right cartridge. I read very good reviews about the cartridge.

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by richteer

What's a speed puck?

To answer your question: no, cartridge output doesn't change appreciably once its broken in. What's most likely is that your new cartridge has a lower output (by design) than your original one. Using an MC (moving coil) phonostage might help here, and might fix your bass problems.

Sorry I meant to say record puck.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by joe1515

Sorry I meant to say record puck.

OK, gotcha!

I've just looked up the specs of the two cartridges you mentioned on Sumiko's web site. As I thought, the Oyster is an MM (Moving Magnet) cartridge with an output of 4.0mV. Your new Blue Point number 2 is an MC (Moving Coil) cartridge with an output of only 2.5mV (i.e., just over half the Oyster). This difference in output voltage is why the BP#2 is much quieter than the Oyster.

Now, you're using the phonostage in your Denon receiver. I'll pretty much guarantee you that it isn't designed to be used with MC cartridges (even relatively high output ones like your BP#2). Your only solution (apart from giving up on the BP#2, which I wouldn't do!) is to get an MC-capable phonostage. You can get something quite reasonable for about the same price you paid for your BP#2.

[joe1515]

Thanks for all your help, knowing what you know about my situation what phono pre amp do you recommend? My budget is around $500. Thanks

[richteer]

Originally Posted by joe1515

Thanks for all your help, knowing what you know about my situation what phonobox/pre amp do you recommend? My budget is around $500. Thanks

For $500, there are a few options worth exploring. (NB, I don't have much first hand experience with these products, but I know their reputation.) In ascending price order, I recommend you check out the following:

$150 Parsound Zphono
$330 Pro-Ject Phono Box SE
$450 Pro-Ject Tube Box II
$500 Sim Moon LP3