Can't find much about the Audio Technica Z100x cart...

J

JVCSanyoOnkyoWolzeNikko

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Hello to all... Really new here - looking forward to 'mining' info from previous posts as well as sharing in the future.

I need a little help from those more knowledgeable:

1st Question: The Audio Technica AT554Sa on my JVC QL-A7 started sounding really squirlie - sound started to disappear and it sounded like it was
actually dragging on the record as it spun around. SO I could keep listening: I bought a cheap cart that I can't find any useful info on: Audio Technica
Z100x - Is anyone familiar with this cart? - was brand new and cheap (under $40), the only one my Used Vinyl Store had New-In-The-Box in the
display case, but there was no paper inside, no info inside about tracking or settings.
Set it in: overall sounded not as full, dynamic or 'round' as the 554Sa with JAZZ AT THE PAWNSHOP side 1 track one - but the clarinet on the 1st
track, to my ear, was RIGHT THERE, REALLY REAL and SPOT-ON. The vibes were pretty nice too...
Anyone familar with this Z100x?- used it? - suggest where to get info or reviews on it? ( my internet search didn't turn much up).

2nd Question: I'm guessing the 554Sa was the origional cart in the QL-A7 (came with the TT, which I bought used for $100) - just how good is the
AT554Sa in todays world? and is it good enough to get a replacement needle at $130? or should I be looking at something else (like
a Denon DL-110 or DL-160, Ortofon OM-40, or move to a AT 440MLA)?

HO's appreciated... Be Warm and Be Well. Best Wishes...
 
I can help you

This is not only old but one of the lowest in the line - designed to be shipped with a table so the true designation is not in AT's list but generally has a low end replacement stylus. Audio Technica AT301EP Owners Manual, Service Manual, Schematics, Free Download | Vinyl Engine

The AT440Mla will sound most excellent on your JVC. If that seems a bit pricey, the AT110 of AT120 will sound great. I am nota fan of the HOMC Denon (DL110 or DL-160) . They try to give you the benefit of moving coil with a higher output like a MM though the 160 is pretty good.

The JVC is a nice table but the arm mass dictates you get a medium compliance cart

JVC QL-7 Owners Manual, Service Manual, Schematics, Free Download | Vinyl Engine

Arm mass with original headshell is 23.5gr (10 of that is the headshell which is heavy)

Using the vinylengine calculator - Cartridge Resonance Evaluator

Look at the weight and dynamic compliance of the cart you are interested in
Then see where it falls on that chart

You want to see 10hz as optimal

so lets use AT440Mla as the example - DYN COMPLIANCE = 10 , weight - 6.5 grams

Its in the green at 9hz and pretty perfect

Denon DL-110 DYN COMP = 8 weight is 4.8gram

Not a good match..cart is too light
 
Thanks for the informative reply.

Is the AT 110 the same as the AT 110E? and the AT 120 the same as the AT 120E or E/T or E/ll? These seem to be more affordable at the moment... will work towards the AT440Mla probably as a birthday present (to myself) in the future.

ENJOY YOUR MUSIC... Across the miles: Best Wishes. Bill
 
Yes, same carts, just newest addition. The AT440MLa used to be the AT440 ML OCC. They do that...LOL

Welcome aboard...

Amazon.com : Audio Technica AT120E/T Standard Mount Phono Cartridge : Vehicle Speakers : Musical Instruments

Do not get the AT120E/II...its not the replacement

NOTE: There is an Audio-Technica AT120E/II cartridge model being sold as the replacement for the AT120E cartridge. This is not true. The AT120E/II is the equivalent of a lower performance model. The AT120E/II cartridge was recalled from distribution by Audio-Technica.
 
You want to find the AT-120 E/T as it has the nude mounted diamond. The later versions are bonded and cheaper.
 
Hey Joe - Bill Here... I'm a vintage maven - find that's the best experiment with the most enjoyment. I'm not into glitz - into the sonics, sound and music
My fav speakers that I've heard and have had/don't presently have are the Acoustat 2+2s, Gershman Avant Garde RX-20, and the Fostex GZ 2001; presently listening to University Master Series S6 (3 way; 1955 or so), Peak (Coral mfg and marketed in Australia) 8CX-501 Coaxial in Watersson cabs; Ohm Model E (found on the street) and am experimenting with a pair of early 1960's Pioneer 12" coaxials (that look like Bauer Klangfilms) in open baffle...
Was into music and TT in my teens. After the early 70's, moved to cassettes and in the 80's to CDs...being re-introduced to vinyl and turntables... bought a Sanyo TP-1030 TT with a Shure M92E cart, and a DiscWasher Disc kit with a ZeroSata Anti-Static Pistol - all for $10... Please share experiences with your TT and the carts you've used.
 
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