A few more ceramics

[colin]

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

Hi Roman,

I repair a lot of suitcase style record players, that have built in valve amplifiers which are ideal for the ceramic cartridges.   

I use a Realistic 150 amplifier, which has a ceramic input, if I want to listen to a ceramic cartridge in my main system.

I mostly use the BSR type because they are very common in the UK. 

Hi Werner,

I use the SC12 and like it.  I don't have the SC11, but I think it takes the same styli as the 12 so should be similar.

[wer]

Thank you Colin.

[Toronado]

Yes thank you also.

I think I will try plugging the BSRs directly into the ceramic input when I will have the next test Session. Maybe the Velocitone fits not really good to them.
Last time I tested I had my Dual CV40 used as amp. Its a nice device but I didn't like the ceramic input at all. Even with the period correct CDS420. Now I use the Telewatt VS-55 which is also equipped with a ceramic/crystal input. May be this would sound better.

Best regards.

Roman

[wer]

with BSR's, but time will tell.I use the pre-amp that Andreas kindly made for me - the output goes to line. No idea how it will do

[colin]

Most Ceramic cartridge fans will know this, but for those just starting out -

When trying amplifiers or mixers with inputs labelled for Ceramic cartridges, its a good idea to first try a line level input like Tuner or Tape, before the Ceramic input. 

If there is no difference between the Line inputs and the Ceramic input when testing a Ceramic cartridge, then best to ignore that amp/mixer.   

It will disappoint in your enjoyment of Ceramic cartridges.

I have several amps and mixers that do just that, so I don't use them for Ceramic cartridges. 

My little Realistic amplifier, and also a Realistic Mixer, behave properly during that test, with the Ceramic cartridge sounding full bodied in the Ceramic inputs, and noticeably less good in the Line inputs.

[Toronado]

Or you use the simple Velocitone circuit and plug it into the MM input.
This works very well with most of my ceramics (and some Crystals) which I have tested until now.

Best regards.

Roman

[colin]

Or you use the simple Velocitone circuit and plug it into the MM input.
This works very well with most of my ceramics (and some Crystals) which I have tested until now.

Best regards.

Roman

Good idea Roman, I need to get one of those.   

I was testing a Decca Deram, and agree with you it is very good, so smooth! 

Imo the BSR SC12 is not far behind, and much easier to find, buy, and get styli. 

I will be interested in your comments on the SC11.

[Toronado]

The Velocitone is quite simple to build DIY. It's just two resistors and one cap per channel. Completely passive.

Yesterday I had a look at my BSR box searching the mounting bracket for a SC11.... Then I had a look at my Dual-TK box to pick out a TK which has lost it's connector pins cause I wanted to solder the little box-plug directly to the TK for just plugging in the SC11.... And what have I found? A TK with box-plug and SC12.... Totally forgot this.
Now I only have to check my (modified and now humming a little) Velocitone Box and have some time for a Test.
I will Report.

Best regards

Roman

[jotarama]

The one on the right is the Velocitone network for adapting ceramic cartridges to MM inputs. It was designed by Sonotone for the 9TA cartridge.

[wer]

Is there a potential problem or ovrtload with a high output ceramic and a Velocitone plugged into an MM input?

[Toronado]

Is there a potential problem or ovrtload with a high output ceramic and a Velocitone plugged into an MM input?

Basically to some Amps: Yes.
Depends on ceramics output an maximum input of the MM-stage. For example my former Pioneer SA-706 hadn't any problems. But I read of a guy in the German Dual-board that he got some overload in his Amp (don't know what model).

If there is a problem you can decrease the 10K resistors. I installed a stereo pot there myself. About 15K I think.

Best regards

Roman

[wer]

A BSR SC5M (including a 1/2" adapter) found its way to Ginestar today 



Have to wait with the trial until the new skirt for the QRK is installed.

[colin]

A BSR SC5M (including a 1/2" adapter) found its way to Ginestar today 



Have to wait with the trial until the new skirt for the QRK is installed.

Hi Werner,

Looking forward to the results!  I don't know the SC5M but it should be similar to the other stereo ceramics from BSR.

[wer]

Thank you Colin.
Did not think anyone was still reading this thread   

[colin]

Thank you Colin.
Did not think anyone was still reading this thread   

Granted the audience for this topic is fairly small, but if my experiments of the last couple of weeks are anything to go by, then there is something to be gained from getting a working knowledge of the better ceramics. 

Your SC5M looks to be a transition model for BSR, it retains what I call the wide body of the previous range of crystal cartridges eg X5H and SX6M.  Later ceramics had the narrow body of the SC7M and SC12M. 

I am interested to see the stylus number on yours, the previous wide body crystal cartridges could use a range from ST8 to ST15.  Some were recommended for the high output mono models like the X3H and X5H, and others for the stereo models like the SX6M.  Any crystal cartridge can use any from the range though. 

To prevent the ceramic styli eg ST16, ST17, ST20 being used in the crystal models, and vice versa, they changed the fixing.

All the above is what I've surmised so far, and there are gaps, so I don't mind learning more.

Nerd overload, apologies.