Denon 300f TT

[Methodical]

Hey everyone. I need some advice on which on better cartridge/stylus (or needle as I called it back in the day) to get for this turntable.

Also, is it worth it to get a preamp for this TT if my receiver has a phono input? Currently I have the Denon 3805 and have the TT connected to the phono input, but have not experimented with the TT's internal preamp.

I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks

 

[afterlife2]

No need for a preamp. My advice is to get this Cart/needle:

http://www.needledoctor.com/Ortofon-2M-Red-Phono-Cartridge

https://www.amazon.com/Ortofon-2M-Red-Phono-Cartridge/dp/B000WMCEKK

 

[Methodical]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will read up on it.

Are there any cleaning kits you suggest? I've been checking some out, but like to get feedback from those that have been doing this for awhile.

 

[afterlife2]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will read up on it.

Are there any cleaning kits you suggest? I've been checking some out, but like to get feedback from those that have been doing this for awhile.

That needle I suggested is fantastic for the price.

I'd suggest getting a couple of these wipes. Either one is good. I have the second option:
http://www.needledoctor.com/Record-Cloth-LKG-SA-2-Anti-Static-Record-Cloth
or
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vinyl-Record-Cleaning-Cloth-Antistatic-8-x-9-NEW-IN-BAG-Cleaner-/381055273310?hash=item58b8aa095e:g:OLcAAOSwuMFUaPpE

 

[lovinthehd]

I'd think your avr's phono stage is up to the task, but you can always try your built in one to compare...

I use this cartridge myself https://www.amazon.com/Shure-M97xE-High-Performance-Magnetic-Cartridge/dp/B00006I5SB

I use my old discwasher kit and if static is bad I've got a home built de-stat thingie.

 

[Methodical]

Thanks everyone. After reading some reviews, I think I'm going with the Ortofon. Now, I need to find an alignment tool.

 

[afterlife2]

Welcome. I think 3db has an alignment tool TLSguy recommended. Maybe they can chime in. I don't have one. If I were to say 2nd place cart it would be this one: http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-120E-Cartridge. AT112EP(Blue) is a gem and highly regarded and great for budget minded third place, but don't think it will fit your turntable unless there is an adapter available: http://www.turntableneedles.com/ATN112EP-Type-Stylus-for-Audio-Technica-AT112EP-etc--our-Needle-212-DEC_p_953.html The Shure M97xE is also a good cart, but not as good as the other 3 I mentioned.

 

[lovinthehd]

Welcome. I think 3db has an alignment tool TLSguy recommended. Maybe they can chime in. I don't have one. If I were to say 2nd place cart it would be this one: http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-120E-Cartridge. AT112EP(Blue) is a gem and highly regarded and great for budget minded third place, but don't think it will fit your turntable unless there is an adapter available: http://www.turntableneedles.com/ATN112EP-Type-Stylus-for-Audio-Technica-AT112EP-etc--our-Needle-212-DEC_p_953.html The Shure M97xE is also a good cart, but not as good as the other 3 I mentioned.

Curious, you have tried all of them and found what differences so as to rank them such? I haven't tried Ortofon or AT myself, been using Grado for a few years before the M97xE....

 

[afterlife2]

Yes lovinthehd I had them all, but they were ruined(Look at sig). The Ortofon was a gift from a cool guy. I had been looking at that cart before so getting it as a gift was like he read my mind. It's truly the best cart I've owned! You can see all the carts I had in my sig as well.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yes lovinthehd I had them all, but they were ruined(Look at sig). The Ortofon was a gift from a cool guy. I had been looking at that cart before so getting it as a gift was like he read my mind. It's truly the best cart I've owned! You can see all the carts I had in my sig as well.

Thanks, I'll get my magnifying glass out later . What were the sonic differences you heard? Just trying to understand....

 

[afterlife2]

Separation of instruments was alot clearer and a nicer soundstage on all three carts, but the Ortofon has the edge. That AT122EP is an incredible value I must say.

 

[lovinthehd]

Separation of instruments was alot clearer and a nicer soundstage on all three carts, but the Ortofon has the edge. That AT122EP is an incredible value I must say.

Still curious how you compared them, tho. May give one a whirl next time around, just leery of anything a lousy publication like TAS praises.

ps In hindsight they praise mine too so....maybe they're more equal than not.

 

[Methodical]

Welcome. I think 3db has an alignment tool TLSguy recommended. Maybe they can chime in. I don't have one. If I were to say 2nd place cart it would be this one: http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-120E-Cartridge. AT112EP(Blue) is a gem and highly regarded and great for budget minded third place, but don't think it will fit your turntable unless there is an adapter available: http://www.turntableneedles.com/ATN112EP-Type-Stylus-for-Audio-Technica-AT112EP-etc--our-Needle-212-DEC_p_953.html The Shure M97xE is also a good cart, but not as good as the other 3 I mentioned.

Thanks. I found one on Amazon that I will try. Also, I have the Ortofon on the way. Should be here today. Funny, as a young'n I did not use all these fancy gadgets with the turntables back then. I just changed the needle, played with the adjustment until it worked. I have an old Technic (well my brother has it) my Pops got me for my birthday one year.

Btw, you joined on my birthday.

Thanks again.

 

[afterlife2]

Still curious how you compared them, tho. May give one a whirl next time around, just leery of anything a lousy publication like TAS praises.

ps In hindsight they praise mine too so....maybe they're more equal than not.

Don't get me wrong the Shure M97XE is a great cart which I proudly used to own, but after I heard the Ortofon and AT carts I liked the way they sounded to my ears. Try them out I think you will be pleased. Never heard of the TAS can you link that cart?

 

[afterlife2]

Thanks. I found one on Amazon that I will try. Also, I have the Ortofon on the way. Should be here today. Funny, as a young'n I did not use all these fancy gadgets with the turntables back then. I just changed the needle, played with the adjustment until it worked. I have an old Technic (well my brother has it) my Pops got me for my birthday one year.

Btw, you joined on my birthday.

Thanks again.

That's great I hope to hear your thoughts on them. Which other one did you get? Ah ha another Libra in the house!

 

[slipperybidness]

Don't get me wrong the Shure M97XE is a great cart which I proudly used to own, but after I heard the Ortofon and AT carts I liked the way they sounded to my ears. Try them out I think you will be pleased. Never heard of the TAS can you link that cart?

I really like the dust brush / shock absorber on the M97XE. I have this on my Technics.

I have the 2M Red on my Pro-Ject. Overall, I prefer the Technics setup--not saying anything about the carts.

 

[TLS Guy]

Welcome. I think 3db has an alignment tool TLSguy recommended. Maybe they can chime in. I don't have one. If I were to say 2nd place cart it would be this one: http://www.needledoctor.com/Audio-Technica-120E-Cartridge. AT112EP(Blue) is a gem and highly regarded and great for budget minded third place, but don't think it will fit your turntable unless there is an adapter available: http://www.turntableneedles.com/ATN112EP-Type-Stylus-for-Audio-Technica-AT112EP-etc--our-Needle-212-DEC_p_953.html The Shure M97xE is also a good cart, but not as good as the other 3 I mentioned.

If you register on Vinyl Engine, you can download an alignment protractor for free!

 

[lovinthehd]

Don't get me wrong the Shure M97XE is a great cart which I proudly used to own, but after I heard the Ortofon and AT carts I liked the way they sounded to my ears. Try them out I think you will be pleased. Never heard of the TAS can you link that cart?

The Ortofon was named 2010 product of the year by TAS according to your first link for the cart. FWIW I use the Shure on my Technics SL1200mk2. So just informal impressions post-installation?

 

[Methodical]

That's great I hope to hear your thoughts on them. Which other one did you get? Ah ha another Libra in the house!

I just got the one unit.

 

[afterlife2]

I just got the one unit.

Ok let us know how you like it or if you need further help.