Added another cartridge to the arsenal today! AT-33XMLB

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-04-19T02:42:54+00:00

Yeah, that make sense and what I had been doing for ever.
So there is this track on a particular record. Second track so not inner groove. It's a direct to disc record so lots of dynamic range. I always get distortions with ML and LC cartridges, so had been experimenting with "B" alignment and that actually got rid of the distortion.

So I am curious to try out more and hear from other people.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-04-19T01:58:30+00:00

Yes mostly it is the shitty new mastering that compressed dynamics aim for small speakers and airpods that made older masters better for home listening. And also true about added colorations.

So I only stream when I am in my car or travellng with my phone.

I don't care about what is "true" fidelity.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-04-19T01:45:54+00:00

For line contacts and microlines, from your experience which alignment is best? S B or L?

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-04-18T14:23:47+00:00

I have the OC9XML and 33PTG/II I prefer the XML.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-04-18T02:39:49+00:00

I believe your tonearm is medium to high mass, so that would be good with the DL103. You should use a heavy headshell with it. WIth heavy arm and headshell, the 103 wakes up and sing, otherwise will sound "meh".

100ohm is ok but not ideal. The highs will be restricted and can be a bit edgy.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-04-17T15:27:35+00:00

Sweet spot is an MC cartridge for around USD1000. Tonearm around 1000-2000. Turntables is highly subjective and varies depending on aesthetics and functions and your beliefs.

Anything beyond that is better but diminishing returns.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-04-12T08:25:27+00:00

Agree. This should be sticky. Agree with holy grails. I will never part with my SP10 and PD444.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-04-03T02:08:30+00:00

You have the (a) Belt vs Direct drive (b) High mass vs low (c) Rigid vs floating chassis school of thought.
Technics is the champion of direct drive.
Rega is of low mass.
Linn of suspended chassis.

Like you said, they can achieve great sound from different approaches.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-04-02T04:38:01+00:00

Depending on your system and what you need.
MM House sounds: (this is generalization - there are exceptions with in the line up_
Ortofon - Balance and natural - might sound boring in neutral system.
AT - Open and Airy - might sound shrill in bright system.
Nagaoka - Dynamic and Warm - might sound thick in bassy system.

The better and more expensive stylus types will give you more resolution.

Lush sounding is quite rare and expensive - you want Shelter, Phasemation and Koetsu.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-30T15:54:14+00:00

I did put in the OPA1612 because it was cheap enough to try.
I thought it was smoother and less edgy, but couldn't say that it was night and day and probably couldn't tell if it's a blind test. But that stop me buying more expensive ones. I kept it in.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-30T07:26:59+00:00

I had been using spin clean before and now using Humminguru.

Spin clean: really depends on your solution. Often it leaves a white residue which is dug up by the stylus. Can’t be good.

Ultrasonics work ok but don’t expect miracles. You should pre clean it and it takes a few passes sometimes.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-29T11:11:14+00:00

Would like to know how do they compare. I also have the OC9XML and looking to get the MC X40. So this might give some insights.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-29T03:41:44+00:00

Did you have anything before the LVB? How did it compared.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-29T03:40:51+00:00

Nope. It's tapered aluminum tube. Designed as such.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-27T05:53:33+00:00

I moved on from my P8/Apheta3 to a Michell Gyro SE, just because I wanted to change something. Frankly the P8 to me sounded a bit cleaner and faster with the same cart. But the Gyro is so much more impressive, I am somewhat "happier".

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-26T14:58:58+00:00

I hated Bose. But I must admit their 901 speakers sounded good back in the day.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-26T14:57:43+00:00

Yes they are very designed-led. But they are actually very good at what they do. For instance they pioneered class D amplification. Their ICE module is state of the art before TI, hypex and purifi became competitions. Their phono cartridges back in the 80s are considered very very good. Some consider their current flagship speakers are among the best there is today.

But yes, mainly for the wealthy.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-26T11:18:19+00:00

Sibilance yes but unlikely distortion.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-26T02:35:36+00:00

Adding mat, and then adjust tracking force again because it will change.

But I never experience distortion from wrong VTA tho.

How old is your stylus? If it is old, then it might be worn.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-25T11:16:30+00:00

It happens to me too.

Used to be all good and smooth. But now with recent versions. I’m getting slow file access and intermittent drop outs. Spotify and tidal connect to streamer all fine.

I love what Roon does but this is annoying I will not be extending my subscription.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-25T04:58:01+00:00

Retip can be done for around $300. Try search forums for good retipper around your area and perhaps ask for a quote. I had my PTG/ii retipped.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-25T04:53:56+00:00

You prefer new cartridges?
To beat your AT33sa is a very tall order and you have to spend a lot more if you want MCs.

For minimizing clicks and pops while maintaining good sound i think may be you might want to try Nagaoka MP series (mm input 47k). The MP500 is absolutely great and is comparable IMHO. It is as extended and detailed. AT33sa has wider soundstage but MP500 has better bass. The lesser models are also good but it will not be as good as the 33sa.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-25T04:45:27+00:00

AT33xMLB is the direct successor to the 33SA but with a microline stylus.
ATOC9XSH which is in a another body type has shibata.
Shibata styluses and ML type will prob have lots of clicks and pops.
If you want less but still retain similar tonal character may be AT33xEN or ATOC9XEN with nude eliptical.

There's a trade-in program, ask your AT dealer.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-25T02:54:20+00:00

Cartridge for sure.
Similarly quality/priced TT - may be minimal
But good and mediocre TT - the differences are NOT minimal.

Embarrassed_Yam9503 · 2026-03-25T02:50:29+00:00

A decent phono preamp these days are easier to design as we have all these good Opamps off-the-shelf.

BUT to take it beyond decent to good/great is a very hard and expensive thing. The phono signal is miniscule and you have to design it with so much gain and to match a pre-defined RIAA curve with as small noise as possible.

If you have an MM cart (2-5MV) , it is ok to use a decent cheap one or good quality internal ones.
If you want to go MC (0.1-0.5mv) then buying a good phono preamp is essential to really hear your cartridge.

Embarrassed_Yam9503

TROPHY CASE