Ceramic and Magnetic cartriges question

Archived from groups: alt.audio.equipment,alt.music-lover.audiophile,alt.music-lover.audiophile.hardware,rec.audio.misc,rec.audio.tech (More info?)

Joe wrote:
> Hello:
>
> I've been trying to replace the needle or the entire cartridge of an old
> Garrard 3000 turtable that belongs to my mother, and which has sentimental
> value for her. I haven't had any luck with that, so my question is: can I
> replace the old ceramic cartridge with a new, magnetic one?
>
> I am concerned with compatibility when it comes to audio output, not with
> the mounting.
> Will I need some kind of circuitry between the cartridge and the old
> stereo's audio input?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>
Yes, you'll need a preamp.

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Archived from groups: alt.audio.equipment,alt.music-lover.audiophile,alt.music-lover.audiophile.hardware,rec.audio.misc,rec.audio.tech (More info?)

Joe wrote:
> "CJT" <abujlehc@prodigy.net> wrote:
>
>
>>Yes, you'll need a preamp.
>
>
> Thanks for replying. I have some more questions....
> What are the specs for that preamp? Could it be easily purchased in Radio
> Shack or most electronics / audio stores? Or, will I need to build it? If
> yes, can you point me to some diagram(s) on the web? Thanks again.
>
>
>
>
I think you can probably find something suitable at RS or similar --
you could check the same vendor where you contemplate getting the
cartridge. It'll be called something obvious like a "magnetic
cartridge preamp." In fact, Googling precisely that yields a candidate:

http://www.radioshack.com/product. [...] d=970-1018

You might also need an attenuator to adjust the output from the preamp
to match the other inputs, although some preamps might include a
suitable gain control.

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Archived from groups: alt.audio.equipment,alt.music-lover.audiophile,alt.music-lover.audiophile.hardware,rec.audio.misc,rec.audio.tech (More info?)

In <TTdDd.49189$P%3.1863666@news20.bellglobal.com>, on 01/06/05
at 11:40 AM, "Joe" <nospam@nowhere.com> said:

>Hello:

>I've been trying to replace the needle or the entire cartridge of an
>old Garrard 3000 turtable that belongs to my mother, and which has
>sentimental value for her. I haven't had any luck with that, so my
>question is: can I replace the old ceramic cartridge with a new,
>magnetic one?

It is common for the "crystal" cartridge element to physically
deteriorate over time. Replacing the stylus may not result in a working
system.

>I am concerned with compatibility when it comes to audio output, not
>with the mounting.
>Will I need some kind of circuitry between the cartridge and the old
>stereo's audio input?

Ceramic cartridges have a whopping output compared to magnetic
cartridges. The chief benefit in the days when your Mom bought her
system was the cost savings when phono preamps were much more expensive
than they are today.

The MCM 40-630 will do the job for you.
http://mcm.newark.com/NewarkWebCom [...] 40-630&N=4

This is not a high class unit, but it is appropriate for her system.

The output of this preamp will probably be in the correct range for her
system. If the output is too high, a simple resistive divder will cure
the problem.

You may need to fuss with the turntable's ground wire. Sometimes
connecting it to the phono preamp is the best, other times it works
better when connected to the stereo's chassis.

-----------------------------------------------------------
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Archived from groups: alt.audio.equipment,alt.music-lover.audiophile,alt.music-lover.audiophile.hardware,rec.audio.misc,rec.audio.tech (More info?)

On Thu, 6 Jan 2005 11:40:38 -0500, "Joe" <nospam@nowhere.com> wrote:

>I've been trying to replace the needle or the entire cartridge of an old
>Garrard 3000 turtable that belongs to my mother, and which has sentimental
>value for her. I haven't had any luck with that, so my question is: can I
>replace the old ceramic cartridge with a new, magnetic one?
>
>I am concerned with compatibility when it comes to audio output, not with
>the mounting.
>Will I need some kind of circuitry between the cartridge and the old
>stereo's audio input?

A ceramic cartridge has considerably hotter output than a magnetic.
Ceramic cartridge replacements are available. Where are you?

Archived from groups: rec.audio.tech (More info?)

>
>Hello:
>
>I've been trying to replace the needle or the entire cartridge of an old
>
>Garrard 3000 turtable that belongs to my mother, and which has sentimental
>
>value for her. I haven't had any luck with that, so my question is: can
>I
>replace the old ceramic cartridge with a new, magnetic one?
>
>I am concerned with compatibility when it comes to audio output, not with
>
>the mounting.
>Will I need some kind of circuitry between the cartridge and the old
>stereo's audio input?
>
>Thanks in advance.
>

Yes, you will have problems getting that to work correctly.

At the very least you will need some form of preamplifier. I am not sure How
RIAA equalization was implemented on the ceramic cartridges.

Another problem will be tracking weight. The old Garrard may be set up for
somewhere around 5 grams or more weight on the stylus. It may adjust for a
lighter pressure used on a magnetic cartridge, but still may not track all that
well.

Richard H. Kuschel
"I canna change the law of physics."-----Scotty