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Originally Posted by micah356 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I read somewhere that having a lower tracking force will preserve the records a bit better, so would that be a reason to go for the Shure? I have a feeling this might not make a huge difference.
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Both these carts work with low downforces and will track very well, so long as they are set up properly, and therefore be kind to you records.
This is one of the strengths of high compliance designs, which were marketed at the time as an antidote to warps, as record pressing quality went down hill as a result of the mid '70s oil crisis, with thinner vinyl and recycling commonplace.
Modern pressings are much better and this isn't regarded as so important anymore, as there are other sonic compromises involved in engineering low mass tonearms which are generally regarded as outweighing any advantages.
Both carts will suit the Rotel arm mechanically.
The Shure is slightly more flexible and will work with a wider range of tonearms because of the stabilser brush. But Shure no longer make higher quality stylii so this is now the only non DJ cart in their range really. I have heard of people fitting the V15 stylii from Jico with promising results but it's a bit of a fudge. The Shure has a pretty rolled off top end which a lot of people like but in the context of an all vintage system this can sound sluggish and lacking detail.
Nagaoka's range of carts have recently been updated but they still carry the older ones often with big discounts like Lpgear offer, and the whole range of stylii right upto the best quality profiles are still widely available. This gives a convenient upgrade path to the top range in MM carts out there, as you can just change the stylus and keep the cart body. So they score over Shure here. Also the Nagaoka will give you are more balanced sound though a vintage reciever as they have a slight treble peak rather than a roll off, while still sounding warm, a little like a Denon moving coil.
I have about 10 Shure carts including 3 or 4 versions of the V15s, their now discontinued top range model. I also have 2 or 3 Nagaoka's and in your system given the above issues, on balance I'd opt for the Nagaoka.