A few more ceramics

[wer]

Thank you Rene.
If you stumble across a decent stereo ceramic, kindly let me know.

[Wolfie62]

Ronette 105 stereo cartridge. Using the Weathers adapters into my MM phono preamp

Turns out that the nickel on the headshell was not necessary. It was actually too heavy, and dulled the sound.

Here, (below) without the nickel, tracking at 3 grams. James Taylor album, no damage to grooves. Using a 0.7 mil conical Diamond tip. Very decent bass, and treble was much more extended. I was trying to get my cellphone mic between the speakers. Upper video clip was at the TT, to the left and a bit behind the speakers.

https://youtube.com/shorts/aPdfWaok5po?si=9_DOGWipeUhHOF9D

[Devo]

That doesn't sounds wrong, i also use the ronette 105 with 3-4 grams tracking force.

[Wolfie62]

My 2nd video sounds tinny over my cell phone. I should have backed up away from the speakers and turned up the volume.

[wer]

Anyone willing to prepare a shortlist of the best ceramic stereo cartridges adaptable to 1/2" mounting?

[Toronado]

Yes, this would be interesting.

I can only give you my personal list of top stereo ceramics:

-Sonotone 9TA
-Dual CDS 660 (661 is half-inch)
-Decca Deram
-Grado BCR (BCE)
-Sanyo Sty 717 (don't know the cartridge Name, sty717 is the stylus)

 These are also superb. But I have to test a little more:

-Sony VX-23 P
-Goldring CS 90
-JVC Nivico DT-51

The best Crystal cart I heard so far is the Elac Kst 110.

Best regards.

Roman

[Wolfie62]

1/2” mount ceramics with built-in ceramic to MM adapters:

Micro Acoustic:

QDC-1

282

2002

3002

309

[wer]

Thank you both, will study the lists with interest.

[aboos]

I would add the
Philips GP380/390
(same transducer elements, one is 1/2" mount and the other is the Philips specific headshell type)
These ceramics also have a build in ceramic-MM adapter circuit

[Toronado]

I would add the
Philips GP380/390
(same transducer elements, one is 1/2" mount and the other is the Philips specific headshell type)
These ceramics also have a build in ceramic-MM adapter circuit

Yes, but finf one. I'm searching for the GP390 for 1,5 years. Would give a Grado BCR/E for it.

Best regards.

Roman

[wer]

OK, I shall take the GP390 off my list 

[Toronado]

OK, I shall take the GP390 off my list 

If you have a Philips player with the special headshell mounting you can also take the GP 380 as Andreas mentioned. Its the same cartridge but fixed in a Philips Shell. Its still available as new from Thakker.

Best regards.

Roman

[colin]

Hi Werner,

It's a great topic, lots to discuss, but a list of your specific criteria would help. 

No doubt all the recommendations so far are commendable, but many have been talked up so much on the net, they have moved out of my attainment zone!   

Has your wanted post for a BSR model been successful? 

I mostly use BSR ceramics at the moment, so I would appreciate your evaluation.

[Toronado]

Ey cool Colin, can you recommend something about connecting the BSRs?
I only tried the SXs which I find are very average Crystals.
The SC-5 is really better but I have tried it only at a VTF of 2,5-3g and connected to the sonotone Velocitone Circuit.
In my personal opinion its not so good.... Sorry, this might depend on VTF and Connection.
But i'm looking forward trying it with other basics. So I will do with the c-1 which I have Here and the Sc-11 M.

Best regards

Roman

[wer]

Curious about the SC11, because they are still available at reasonable cost.