Systemdeck iix cartridge ( maybe tonearm) suggestions

As the title states I have a Systemdeck iix with a Linn Basik arm and Grado ZT+ cartridge. I run this with my Erhard Audio phono Amplifier which can accommodate MC and MM cartridges.

The current cart is pretty low level, it sounds fine, but maybe it could sound better 🤔, so I'm wondering if I was to stick with MM carts what other might suggest I consider?

I've been told that moving to a Denon 103 could be a good option, but when I put that cart in the Vinyl engine calculator, it doesn't show well, which I think its telling me I would need to upgrade the arm to a much heavier tone arm, because as I add the weight to the tonearm portion of the calculator it gets me closer to the 11Hz range where it begins to show acceptable. Which begs the other question, should I be shooting for 11, 10, 9 or 8Hz?

And if I have to upgrade the Tonearm and the cart, would I just be better off buying a different table that better accommodates a larger range of MC and MM cartridges?

This is ALL new to me, as I have had a Dual1219 with a Shure cartridge for years and that has been just fine in our living room setup, but this table is in the listening room and thus prone to being modified if reasonable.

Thanks for any help!

I had many carts on my Basik LVX arm (Linn Axis, but I also owned a systemdek). I would not recommend the DL/103 on that arm, it likes higher compliance carts and behaves like a fairly light tone arm. Beyond that it’s kind of up to the sound you want, and what you feel that you’re missing. Everybody is going to offer up what they like but the key is what do you like?

JohnVF said:

I had many carts on my Basik LVX arm (Linn Axis, but I also owned a systemdek). I would not recommend the DL/103 on that arm, it likes higher compliance carts and behaves like a fairly light tone arm. Beyond that it’s kind of up to the sound you want, and what you feel that you’re missing. Everybody is going to offer up what they like but the key is what do you like?

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That's very helpful in taking stock of what I feel like I'm missing. I can't put my finger on what I am missing right now, but will sit with that for a bit and think about it. I will take some notes in my Tunes log as I listen to music over the next couple weeks.

The Grado should be a nice match to it. Maybe just too old or too low down the Grado pecking order to appeal to you? How old is the stylus?

Limberpine said:

That's very helpful in taking stock of what I feel like I'm missing. I can't put my finger on what I am missing right now, but will sit with that for a bit and think about it. I will take some notes in my Tunes log as I listen to music over the next couple weeks.

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Just some random thoughts. An AT cart on that arm will be open, detailed. Image well. Might not have the weight/drive of certain Ortofons, or Nagaokas. I loved an old Shure V-15vmr on that arm. I’ve also had a couple of LOMCs on it. There are many carts that will work, but again- they need to work for what you’re after.

prime minister said:

The Grado should be a nice match to it. Maybe just too old or too low down the Grado pecking order to appeal to you? How old is the stylus?

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I bought it with this cart on it and the guy had the table for a long time, so long that he didn't even remember which cart was on there when he sold it, so a long time. It does look like they sell a replacement stylus for the Grado cart

JohnVF said:

will be open, detailed. Image well.

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Yes, I would certianly like all of that!

Limberpine said:

Yes, I would certianly like all of that!

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I had good luck with an Audio Technica AT 150mlx on that arm. Also an OC-9, similar character. Not sure what the current equivalent of the 150mlx is but there is one. Fast open detailed sound, tracks really well. Won’t be a “thick” sound if you like that. Can be tailored somewhat with loading.

I'd start with a new Grado stylus. You could even upgrade it a few notches, without spending a lot of money. If nothing else, you would know if you like the Grado sound. That cartridge has to be close to 40 years old now. Unless changed, the suspension has to be stiff and tired. It can't be sounding the way it should.

prime minister said:

I'd start with a new Grado stylus. You could even upgrade it a few notches, without spending a lot of money. If nothing else, you would know if you like the Grado sound. That cartridge has to be close to 40 years old now. Unless changed, the suspension has to be stiff and tired. It can't be sounding the way it should.

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Is it hard to change the stylus myself? And if I do that, will I need to realign it all as well? Meaning, I cant change the stylus while its on the tonearm?

Limberpine said:

Is it hard to change the stylus myself? And if I do that, will I need to realign it all as well? Meaning, I cant change the stylus while its on the tonearm?

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Nope. It just slides right out, and the new one slides in. Easier if you have the Grado tool for that, but that's just a little u shaped piece of plastic. Last one took me 30 seconds.

Having gone through several Grados back in the late 80s (8mz,MCZ if I recall correctly) I gravitated to the Audio Technica line (AT150mlx) where I’ve been content for many years.

It’s a preference thing, I suppose.

That's great! Thanks!

I just sent an email to Grado about a new stylus. If I was to upgrade a notch which would you suggest I look at as upgrades?

Limberpine said:

That's great! Thanks!

I just sent an email to Grado about a new stylus. If I was to upgrade a notch which would you suggest I look at as upgrades?

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The guys who play with the upgrades, usually go for the 8MZ. However, I think you might need to do messing with cartridge loading to make that work. Been a while since I messed with tweaking Grado bodies And Styli. I just sent to the top of the old Grado line and stayed there.

Id figure go for a Gold if you can swing it. That should just work correctly without any other tweaking. But stay where your wallet is content.

Thanks for the help!

Listening to this in headphones on my phone, seems to exude what I want in the sound from my record player. I've listened to it like 4 times and have been enthralled. I was searching around to see what the Grado Gold might sound like.



Also, any idea what those speakers are?

Limberpine said:

Thanks for the help!

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My pleasure. Make sure to let us know how it works out. And remember to order the stylus tool if you order from Grado. Should cost near enough nothing, and just makes it all easier.

kirk57 said:

Having gone through several Grados back in the late 80s (8mz,MCZ if I recall correctly) I gravitated to the Audio Technica line (AT150mlx) where I’ve been content for many years.

It’s a preference thing, I suppose.

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+1. i too went thru some levels of grado, but prefer AT (and some others).

I'm a classically trained, operatic bass. I never found another cartridge that did voices as well as Grado. Maybe had something to do with the fact that Joe Grado was an operatic baritone.