Phonoland

Recently I updated a Maggy/Collaro record changer with a new Shure SC35 cartridge/needle. These are fantastic and I am very happy with the results. My collection of discs has never sounded better. Seems like distortion is non existant even on some old discs. Pops, classical, theatre organ, classical organ all sound amazing. It took a little engineering to fit this cartridge to the arm which was designed for a ceramic E-V cartridge as I recall. And, of course, I had to add a preamp to boost the tiny magnetic output voltage. I'm playing these thru this Maggy concert grand that I recently restored. Okay, so it isn't an audiophile quality setup, but to my ears (a musician) there is nothing to complain about here.

One of the benefits it seems is that the magnetic cartridges do not seem to amplify the possible noises from the turntable/motor mechanism, as the ceramics do. I believe this must be due to the way the magnetics work vs. the ceramics.

Also, on many of these, the M 35x will track lighter in many a Collaro changer. You can upgrade your stylus to the M 35x and track it at 3 grams, which will increase record life a bit and be comparable tracking force to mid 1960's Collaro changers used in Magnavoxes. A great upgrade either way. A vast improvement.