MMC re-tipping by Axel

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Lee Posted: Sun, Apr 27 2014 8:27 PM

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Hi guys, 

I've sent my mmc4 off to Axel in Germany for re-tipping. I've asked for the elliptical on aluminium cantilever option but I'm having second thoughts, and think I should maybe go for an upgrade.

What's people's opinions on the various options?

with Nude line diamond stylus and aluminum cantilever

with Nude line diamond stylus and sapphire cantilever 

with Hyper elliptical diamond stylus and aluminum cantilever 

with nude elliptical diamond stylus and aluminum cantilever 

with rebuild Shibata diamond stylus and aluminum cantilever 

Which one will sound the best on my Beogram 5005? If it helps im very sensitive to sibilance...

Thanks,

Lee

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Anders Jørgensen replied on Sun, Apr 27 2014 10:50 PM

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Depends on what you want your mmc4 comming back as.

MMC1 was the top of the line so fitted with the finest. 

MMC2 etc. down the line

MMC3 etc. down the line

Etc. 

Choose the one you like and can afford at this time. Anyone will do but the higher you go towards MMC1 will be the finest choice. 

I have an MMC2 that waits and I can upgrade as I wish to MMC1 or MMC2 either would do on my Beogram 6500. My ears will tell me how much I will like it when the time comes.

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Lee replied on Sun, Apr 27 2014 11:04 PM

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I understand the differences between the various mmc's but im not sure how that colates to axels offerings. I'm pretty certain that I'm going for an aluminium cantilever as they are sturdier and don't in reality sound different from the sapphire ones. But what I'm not sure of is the sonic differences between shibata, hyper elliptical and line contact stylus profiles.

I want a stylus that won't give me sibilance in vocals and cymbals like ellipticals often do. I want a clear sound with low surface noise.

Any advice will be greatly received.

Lee

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Peter replied on Mon, Apr 28 2014 2:10 PM

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The line contact and Shibata are the best. The only cartridges which annoyed me with sibilance were MMC20S. All others when tracking at the correct weight were fine.

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Lee replied on Mon, Apr 28 2014 2:32 PM

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Thanks Peter, 

I've decided to go for the shibata on aluminium cantilever. Can't wait to get it back and give it a listen. I'll be sure to post my conclusions on here. 

Lee

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Peter replied on Mon, Apr 28 2014 2:45 PM

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I am sure you will like it. Possibly my favourite cartridge though I have an emotional attachment to my 20CLs!