ignorant newcomer...cartridge advice plse!!

My current system is: Rega planar 3, (oldish) linn k5 cartridge
Rotel ra-04 amp
Rotel rcd-02
Rega Elys (mk1) speakers

I have recently returned to vinyl after buying a 2nd hand planar 3 and as a rule it blows away my cd player!! It came with a linn k5 cartridge but am looking to upgrade. I guess the question is how much improvement am i going to get as I spend my hard earned money?

I have read good things about the dynavector 10x5 (would this be ok in my mm phone stage?)but am wondering whether it is overkill spending so much on the cartridge, i.e. is it worth it?

Any hardheaded advice is much appreciated as am unsure as to wear to start. thanks dave

 

Try a Denon DL110 high output m/c.I have just got one to replace a £150 Grado Gold, blows it into the weeds and only £70 to boot.

 

The cartridge I use (not mine, but same as) is in the classifieds - Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood (moving magnet).

Reccomended cart (by me)

 

will this work through a mm phono stage?

 

yes it will work.

 

Denon's are good but i just loved the 10x4 i had before i upgraded. Good value for money.

 

does anybody rate the ortofon om series?

Also, am i going to hear a significant difference if i spend £200??

 

IME that will depend on the quality of the phono stage in your amp.

 

give uncle ants a bell he's the chap who knows whats what ....

 

Who or what is uncle ants???

 

Uncle Ants is a member of this forum, a nice guy and the owner of this fine establishment:

http://www.needles-and-spins.co.uk/

 

i'll second the denon dl-110. absolutely transformed the sound of my planar3 which had the original elys cartridge.
if you have one of the older decks you will need a spacer to lift the arm up and a deeper locking nut (£25). the lock nut will also be slightly too big for the arm cut-out so a bit of gentle filing will be necessary - best to remove the platter and spindle and cover the hole with tape to prevent saw dust entering (and don't loose the bearing that will probably drop out!)
not that much trouble really but well worth the effort.

 

Not if you intend to stay with the Planar 3 which will quickly become a bottleneck (sorry Chris )

Stick with the DL110 IMO.