What's a Good T4P Cartridge?

[Lazarus Short]

I just got my Sony linear-tracker going again - the little belt from the motor to the worm-drive which pulls the arm back and forth was stretched, and I replaced with an o-ring of the right size. It came with an Ortofon TM-7, and I also have a Technics P-34 on another TT. Is either of these really good, or should I look for something better? I'm thinking about a Jico stylus for the P-34, but I'm fairly partial to Ortofons.

 

[orange]

I wouldn't know. I adapt them to standard mount and make them do chores.

 

[Lazarus Short]

I have a standard-mount adapter myself, but you just can't go the other way. T4P's seem to be either very good or very bad.

 

[Pure_Brew]

There are not a ton of choices but I hear Ortophon makes decent ones.

 

[Lazarus Short]

I'm finding the joy of T4P turntables - the carts all weigh the same (with a few exceptions), and there are NO alignment issues. You can roll the cartridges like tubes: cart rolling. My AT VS245LP is next in line to get rolled. Since my first post, you see, I have looked thru my phono cartridge collection...

 

[jbeckva]

Hey Laz,

Reading this sparked an interest in me rolling the dice myself. I currently have an AT 8008 Reference that I got awhile back as a side-bene to a craigslist deal - I got a cheap ole JVC linear, but with it came this cartridge AND an AT 6006 Reference for 20.00!

Anyway, the 8008 definitely sounds pretty good with my SL-Q5 Technics. But I figured after reading this I'd try something different. I just ordered a Grado Black T4P from LP Gear. I'll let you know how it sounds when I get it in. I agree.. I can't ever seem to get those standard mounts (let alone non-linear TT's) to dial in where I am 100 percent satisfied. The Technics does the job for me when I'm in the "analog mood" (hey, it comes every now and then.. )

 

[speakerman1]

Hi Guys

You mean to say there are no pit falls to the table? You never have to adjust them at any point? On cart style and price how high can you go on the carts? Can you adjust the speed? I have never messed with one.

 

[Lazarus Short]

Pitfalls? Well, you have to lube the rails from time to time, replace belts now and then, the usual stuff. No, T4P cartridges never fly as high as upper-crust standard mounts, but good enough for most folks. The most expensive I've seen is about $300. My Sony is direct-drive, and unlike my DD Technics of many years past, the speed does not adjust, but it is quartz-locked. It's less fussy than any TT I've ever had, except for my B&O 4004, now traded off to my regret.

 

[speakerman1]

Yea I was just wondering. Thanks

 

[jbeckva]

Heard from my wife that the Grado arrived today. I'll give you my impressions on 'er tonight.

 

[jbeckva]

Got the Grado Black in. Even if it's the lowest in the "Prestige" series, it sounds GREAT. I'm listening to LP's that I gave up for dead right now, and the few that I could listen to before really REALLY shine. Might turn me from the "dark side" here... heheh

I'd give it a shot for 60.00... or one of the higher level Grado's if you want to spend more.

 

[Lazarus Short]

OK, thanks! I'll keep that in mind, but I'm going to run through what I have on hand first. I haven't owned a Grado phono cartridge for a long time, except one in my boneyard which is missing the stylus.