Comparison Audio Technica MONO/3 SP vs. Shure M78s with Thakker SS78E
This is a direct comparison of two cartridges for playing 78 RPM records: Audio-Technica MONO/3 SP Shure M78S with Thakker SS78E stylus (replacement for obsolete Shure N78s stylus). The Audio Technica was played on a Lenco L75 turntable, the Shure was played on an Elac Miracord 750 II. Both systems have been amplified by a "Little Bear T8" preamp (yes, i know, not a flat preamp). The output of the preamp goes directly into the PC for sampling, no further noise reduction have been performed. IMHO, the Audio Technica reduces the level of noise significantly but i have still not heard that big quality step in comparison to the Shure which gives me the impression of a "richer" sound. The noise of the Shure is obviously coming from the fact that the Shure system seems still to be a stereo cartridge which is shorted at the outputs while the Audio Technica is a real Mono cartridge and a moving coil system, not a moving magnet on like the Shure. Anyway, both cartridges are reproducing the sound the 78s in a high level of quality. I guess also the brand and the date of a record produced have influence if it sounds better on the Shure or the Audio Technica, so it's worth to own both.

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